Sustaining Indigenous Performing Arts: The Potential Decolonizing Role of Arts-Based Service Learning

Abstract

This chapter describes a community outreach activity initiated by aSchool of Music founded on the conservatory traditions of WesternEurope. The institution is transforming its learning culture by lookingbeyond the inherited signature pedagogies of the performance studio andmusic education traditions. The voice department of this School of Musicis sharing its research wealth with the Indigenous Maori community andthe Indigenous Pacific Island migrant communities who have settled inAotearoa New Zealand. In these communities the performing arts genresnow operate as culturally safe places to retain and develop languageskills, enhance knowledge of cultural practices and establish andstrengthen relationships with other members of the community. Thisdiscussion focuses on the partnership developed between the voicedepartment and community groups that work with the Indigenous Maoriperforming arts genre, Kapa Haka. It is one example of thisinstitution's attempt to counter the effect of colonization andglobalization on its Indigenous peoples by supporting the development ofthe Indigenous performing arts. It highlights the potential ofarts-based service learning as a decolonizing practice.