Hoʻākea Source is a grant program initiated by Puʻuhonua Society to support visual artists, collaboratives, and collectives in Hawaiʻi, with a focus on Oʻahu. This regranting initiative, part of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Program, aims to foster creativity and innovation by providing resources to artists who explore new artistic territory while grounding their work in Native Hawaiian value systems. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to Hawai‘i’s cultural and arts ecosystem, especially those rooted in historically marginalized communities.
The grant offers awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, with a total of $90,000 available for distribution in the 2024–2025 cycle, made possible with additional support from the Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund. Applications are open to Oʻahu-based artists, though collaborators from other islands may participate if the lead applicant resides on Oʻahu. Proposals must address one or more of three strategic priorities: ʻĀina (stewardship of land, sky, and sea), Pilina (building meaningful relationships), or Huli (fostering systemic change).
Successful proposals should emphasize experimentation and unconventional viewpoints, situate the artistic practice within Hawaiʻi’s visual arts genealogy, and demonstrate a strong capacity for project realization. Applicants are encouraged to highlight the public engagement aspect of their projects, particularly in non-traditional exhibition spaces, and articulate their impact on local communities and Hawaiʻi’s broader arts landscape.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel of three members, primarily Hawai‘i-based artists and curators, with oversight from the Program Director and Puʻuhonua Society Executive Director. The process includes a two-day review to rank applications and determine finalists. The grant cycle follows a detailed timeline, with applications opening on November 28, 2024, and closing on January 31, 2025. Finalists will be notified in March 2025, with funds distributed shortly thereafter.
Applicants should attend public information sessions and consultations offered during the application period to strengthen their submissions. For more information, artists can participate in scheduled outreach sessions or consult with program representatives.
