Help shape the state arts agency’s initiatives and priorities; Planning session set Aug. 13 at the MACC

This August, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) will hold strategic planning sessions across Hawai’i to gather diverse insights to help shape the agency’s initiatives and priorities.

“We want to collect diverse perspectives that our islands’ communities have as we update our strategic plan,” said SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald. “We invite anyone interested in this process to join us at our strategic planning sessions.”

Additionally, attendees and participants will have an opportunity to engage with artist Solomon Enos, the artist developing and designing the State Capitol’s waterless pool. Enos will describe the concept behind his design, which includes public participation.

“These strategic planning sessions provide the perfect opportunity for the public to not only learn more about the State Capitol waterless pool design concept but also take part in the artmaking process,” said Enos.

SFCA Strategic Planning Sessions will take place at the following locations and times:

• Kona: Thursday, Aug. 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Donkey Mill Art Center
• Hilo: Thursday, Aug. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., University of Hawai’i Hilo
• Maui: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Maui Arts and Cultural Center
• Kauaʻi: Thursday, Aug. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall
• Oʻahu: Thursday, Aug. 29, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., State Foundation on Culture and the Arts

Those interested in attending are asked to email HawaiiSFCA@hawaii.gov. Others who are unable to attend are also encouraged to email their feedback at the same address.

The Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) was established in 1965 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature, through the vision and effort of Hawai‘i leaders including architect and former State Planning Coordinator Alfred Pries, SFCA Founding Chairperson Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi, former State Senator Nadao Yoshinaga, and former Governor John Burns. The creation of a state arts agency made Hawai‘i eligible to receive federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, newly established on September 29, 1965. The SFCA is administratively attached to the Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services. Its mission is to promote, perpetuate, and preserve culture and the arts in Hawai‘i, and its vision is a thriving and vibrant Hawai‘i enriched by culture and the arts.