Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 6, 2024
The launch of the Ethnic Arts & Trade Foundation NZ in the Executive Hall of Parliament in Wellington on September 25, 2024, enlisted widespread support and patronage, witnessed by the presence of ministers, diplomats and community leaders.
Regulation Minister and ACT Party Leader David Seymour inaugurated the new Organisation acknowledging the vital role played by Small and Ethnic Businesses and their contributions, which have bolstered the country’s economy significantly.
ACT List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar hosted the event.
Co-Founder Gurdeep Talwar said that the diverse composition of the new organisation manifested itself in the audience which brought together a cross-section of the resident population.
“This was embellished by performances by African, Chinese, Indian, Colombian, and Filipino artists, along with a display of stunning artwork,” he said.
Pursuing lofty ideals
Mr Talwar said that the new nonprofit organisation will focus on promoting cultural exchange and supporting artisans from diverse backgrounds.
“Our mission is to create a platform that fosters international trade connections, enabling artisans to showcase their unique crafts and talents. By bridging cultures and facilitating collaboration, we aim to enrich communities and celebrate the beauty of ethnic arts. Join us in our journey to empower artisans and promote cultural diversity through trade,” he said.
Among the other Co-Founders are Jaspreet Singh Kandhari and Ghouse Majeed.
They said that the Ethnic Arts & Trade Foundation NZ is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange, supporting artisans, and fostering international trade connections.
“We aim to foster a vibrant inclusive society in New Zealand by promoting ethnic arts, cultural diversity, exploring trade connections and empowering communities through creativity and economic growth,” they said.
Areas of Engagement
The Foundation’s website mentions four areas of engagement namely Mentorship Programmes, Collaboration and Partnerships, Grants and Funding and Research and Development.
“Mentorship Programmes will connect emerging artists with experienced mentors to guide and inspire their creative journeys. Collaboration and Partnerships will facilitate collaborations between artists from different backgrounds to foster cross-culture innovations. Grants and Funds will provide financial support to artists and projects that promote cultural expression and Research and Development will explore new ways to preserve and revitalise traditional art forms while embracing contemporary influences,” the website says.
Describing the Foundation as ‘an ambitious initiative to promote Arts and Trade within the Ethnic Diaspora, Mr Talwar said that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will receive special attention.
Focus on SMEs
“Despite the endeavours of government and non-government agencies to promote cross-border trade, the focus on SMEs remains insufficient. Recognising this gap, the Foundation aims to invest its energy and resources by collaborating with foreign missions based in New Zealand, ethnic trade organisations and key individuals who can contribute towards achieving these objectives,” he said.
The Trustees (who are the Co-Founders) said that Ethnic Arts & Trade Foundation NZ will deliver outcomes aligning with the key focus on ‘Bridging Connections, Exploring Possibilities.’
Among the Guests of Honour at the launch were Children and Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Minister Karen Chhour, Ambassadors Jane Connolly (Ireland), Makoto Osawa (Japan), Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez (Cuba), Zsolt Hetesy (Hungary), Manahi Pakarati (Chile), High Commissioners Dr Faizal Aziz Ahmed (Pakistan), Keltie Patterson (Acting- Canada) and Second Secretaries Mukesh Ghiya (India) and Karim Mohammed (Egypt) and Honorary Consul Dinesh Khada (India).
Mr Talwar said that the organisation envisions the support and collaboration of individuals and groups eager to contribute to its ambitious mission of exploring cross-border trade opportunities, focusing on benefiting small to medium enterprises.
Further information can be obtained at www.eatfnz.org.nz or by email admin@eatfnz.org.nz
