10/09/2025
Introducing our latest Board member Ali!
Ali Foa’i (Mutalau - Niue, Fakaofo - Tokelau, Nukufetau - Tuvalu, Pago Pago - American Samoa) is a respected Pacific arts leader, storyteller, and creative strategist, joining the Q***r Arts Trust board with over 15 years of experience across Aotearoa’s arts and culture sector.
Ali currently serves as Manager Pacific Arts, Cultivation at Creative New Zealand, where he supports the delivery of the Pacific Arts Strategy 2023–2028 and leads funding and development programmes that uplift Pacific artists both nationally and internationally. His role centres on strengthening the Vā — the sacred relational space — within the Pacific arts ecosystem, championing approaches that empower artists and build thriving, culturally anchored communities.
A trained actor, writer, and producer, Ali holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington. His body of work spans theatre, festivals, film, and television, with creative credits in both local and international contexts.
Prior to joining Creative New Zealand, Ali was closely involved with Wellington City Council’s events team, contributing to the delivery of major cultural celebrations such as Pasifika, Matariki, Waitangi Day, and CubaDupa.
Ali brings to the Q***r Arts Trust a deep commitment to intersectional advocacy and visibility for q***r Pacific artists. His leadership reflects a belief in the power of creativity to honour identity, nurture belonging, and inspire transformative change across our communities.
We are so excited to welcome Ali to the team!
