The Garden Island Arts Council (GIAC) has been nurturing arts and culture on Kauaʻi since 1977, with the mission of “Bringing Arts to the People and People to the Arts”. GIAC has been a cornerstone of the arts community on Kauaʻi for decades, providing educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and platforms for local and visiting artists. Since its founding, GIAC has continuously worked to bring the arts closer to the people of Kauaʻi, engaging individuals of all ages in creative expression and cultural appreciation.

Strategic Goals:

• Enrich the lives of Kaua’i residents through accessible arts and culture programs in response to the desires, issues, and needs of the community.

• Increase community awareness and ownership of the importance of arts and culture by engaging Kaua’i residents in volunteer opportunities and arts advocacy.

• Strengthen the organizational capacity of the GIAC to develop and sustain the financial and community support necessary to realize its vision.

The BoroBoro Boutique (BBB) program was introduced by the Garden Island Arts Council (GIAC) in 2021 as a secondary initiative that grew out of GIAC’s Kauai Crafts Studio program. The aim of BBB is to support community art projects through the creation and sale of upcycled clothing and other handmade goods. The program promotes sustainability, creativity, and community engagement by utilizing discarded fabrics and thrifted materials to craft unique, one-of-a-kind garments and items. To date, we have diverted approximately 500 lbs of fabric from the landfill and encouraged countless residents to make more sustainable consumer choices. Additionally, our activities have inspired the community to consider new ways to reuse and recycle before discarding items.

The BBB program is primarily composed of a small, dedicated group (7-12 participants) who meet weekly at the Art Pod, a studio located at Carol Yotsuda’s art space in Niumalu, to work on their pieces. The BBB program has gained attention for its focus on upcycling—turning unwanted fabrics and garments into fresh, wearable art.

This arm of GIAC has become a popular feature at several local events, such as the Puhi Farmers Market Craft Fair, Matsuri Festival, and E Kanikapila Kakou, where it showcases and sells its handmade creations. Proceeds from these sales fund various community art initiatives supported by GIAC, enabling the arts council to continue its mission of fostering creativity and art access in the local community.

Kauaʻi Crafts Studio (KCS): Hands-on workshops in various crafts, fostering artistic development since the 1970s

E Kanikapila Kākou: Annual 8-week (in Feb + March) Hawaiian music series celebrating local culture and talent at OUTRIGGER Kaua'i Beach Resprt

Van Go! Mobile Art Room: Mobile art studio bringing visual arts education to schools and communities island-wide since 2003

Community Arts Calendar: Bi-monthly e-calendar promoting arts events across Kauaʻi since 2005 (vivit gardenislandarts.org to sign up)

Līhuʻe Airport Art Displays: Curated art exhibits at Līhuʻe Airport, showcasing local culture and talent since 2006

Community Art Projects: Support for local art initiatives, including fiscal sponsorship and project promotion. Current project: Ka Pae ‘Āina O Hawai’i Nei, Hawaiian Archipelago Mosaic Program with the final mural project to be installed at Kilauea Lighthouse.