Helm will use $20,000 award to ‘give back’

Hawaiian singer Raiatea Helm has been awarded a $20,000 fellowship by the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation of Vancouver, Wash.

The fellowships are awarded to individual artists in literature, dance, music, film and visual arts. Helm, the music winner, is the only Hawaiian on the list; the other winners are Native Americans.

The nonprofit foundation fosters "the revitalization, appreciation and continuity of native arts and cultures," according to a news release.

Helm, 27, said that with the help of her artistic consultant, Guy Sibilla, she wrote a grant proposal seeking funds to start a Hawaiian music foundation that would provide music camps, scholarships and educational materials.

"I’ve been making music for 10 years now, and I’m at a time in my career to do something different. I’ve always wanted to give back to my community and to open up a nonprofit," she said.

"I’m all about preserving Hawaiian music. As an artist I never saw my career as just always performing. I’ve wanted to get involved in raising awareness that this music is an art and an important part of the culture."

The NACF awarded grants to several Hawaii groups under its other programs:

» Artist Networks and Convenings Initiative: Kuleana ‘Oiwi Press for its Maoli Writers Conference ($12,000); Hula Preservation Society, Kaneohe ($14,000)

» Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative: Kahilu Theatre Foundation, Wai­mea, Hawaii island, for its 10th Annual Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute ($10,000); Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus ($10,000)

» Regional Collaboration Pilot Program: Pa‘i Foundation ($40,000)

To learn more about the NACF, visitwww.nativeartsandcultures.org.