Michelle Bent talks to author and host of SugarLoafing, Mikaela Nyman about her ongoing collaboration with women writers in Vanuatu, her 2020 novel Sado set after the 2015 Tropical cyclone Pam, and the first ever Vanuatu Women’s Anthology, Sista Stanap Strong! that Mikaela co-edited with Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen to commemorate Vanuatu’s 40th anniversary of independence. Singer-songwriter Joan Niras from Tanna features

Seven indigenous students from Mulga Bore School in the rural Northern Territory formed a rock band to audition for a competition - and went on to win the event, taking out the Alice Springs Battle of the School Bands. Pesala Brown (Debbie Pearce) from Taranaki is a Teaching Principal at the Mulga Bore School. We’ll hear some talented young indigenous musicians and about life in the Australian outback.

This week Mikaela interviews Charlotte Giblin, artist and art teacher, who has just returned from exhibiting in Nelson and Hamilton. We talk about where Charlotte Giblin finds inspiration for her ever-evolving arts practice, about the importance of inviting and receiving feedback (positive and negative), and about her forthcoming book that draws on her own inspirational journey from fear to trust.

Mikaela Nyman in conversation with Amir Foladi about the importance of culture, art and peace for a community affected by generations of persecution and war. Amir Foladi belongs to Afghanistan’s Hazara minority and recently came to Aotearoa as a refugee. In the past, he worked for the Aga Khan Foundation with professional development for NGOs, culture, heritage and eco-tourism in Bamyan province, supported by New Zealand.

This week’s interview is with Helen Mays, whose exhibition “A play on words, words at play” is showing in our ART space throughout the month of June. We talk about Helen’s exploration of her thoughts and the world around her through collage and words, found materials, landscape and colour.

Alice interviews Taranaki Artist, Shelly Frank whose painted landscapes were recently on display at the Access Radio Taranaki ATY Space.

A community arts radio show that takes on the belief that the arts are exclusive, hosted by Alice Cowdry.

Auckland based artist Mary MacGregor Reid whose show celestial bodies, a multi-channel video installation opened at Contemporary Art Space recently.

Taranaki artist Jennifer Halli has set up an art space project Might Could on Currie Street.

This week I speak to Taranaki artist Suzan Kostanich who is pushing the boundaries with felt and paper.