The Faces of Tuvalu

The Faces of Tuvalu
A Nation's Portrait. A Global Legacy.

Formal Request for Endorsement

We respectfully request the Government of Tuvalu’s support in the following areas to help ensure The Faces of Tuvalu proceeds smoothly, inclusively, and with national alignment:

Formal endorsement of the project from the Prime Minister’s Office or Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Local Government, affirming its cultural significance;
Designation of a liaison officer to coordinate communication between ministries, island councils, and our team;
Formal communication to each island’s Falekaupule and Kaupule councils, introducing the initiative and encouraging local collaboration;
Cultural protocol and consent guidance, ensuring respectful engagement with communities in accordance with Tuvaluan values;
Support for logistics and access, such as inter‑island transport coordination, permission to use public buildings for portrait sessions, and interpretation assistance;
Coordination with the Tuvalu Broadcasting Corporation and other media entities to raise awareness, inform communities, and position the project nationally and internationally; and
Option for government funding or in‑kind contribution, including possible support through community development, cultural heritage, or small grant allocations; even modest financial support or operational resources would help enable equitable participation across all islands.

We approach this project in the spirit of partnership and shared cultural stewardship. Tuvalu has a meaningful story to tell, and we believe this initiative can help amplify that story in a way that is both meaningful to its people and resonant around the world. We are committed to working collaboratively, listening closely, and honoring the guidance of Tuvaluan leaders and communities at every step.

With your support, The Faces of Tuvalu can become not only a visual record of a nation, but a lasting expression of its identity, values, and voice.

Proposed Government Partnership

We respectfully seek the Government of Tuvalu’s support and collaboration to help realize The Faces of Tuvalu as a national cultural legacy. This initiative is not only an artistic endeavor, but also a long-term historical and educational resource that honors Tuvalu’s people, heritage, and voice on the global stage.

To ensure this work is conducted with the highest standards of cultural respect, logistical coordination, and national inclusion, we invite the Government of Tuvalu to consider some of the following forms of support:

Formal Endorsement and National Recognition

An official letter of endorsement from the Prime Minister’s Office or the Ministry of Local Government and Culture affirming the project’s cultural value;
Designation of the project as a national heritage or cultural documentation initiative; and
Inclusion of the project in official government communications, websites, or public awareness efforts.

Administrative and Logistical Coordination

Appointment of a national liaison officer to serve as a point of contact across ministries and agencies;
Issuance of formal letters of support to all island-level authorities, including both the Falekaupule traditional councils and Kaupule elected administrative councils; and
Assistance in arranging briefings with local leaders, cultural elders, and key stakeholders on each island.

Local Government and Community Support

Encouragement for each Kaupule to nominate a local coordinator to assist with scheduling, logistics, and translation;
Engagement of each Falekaupule to guide community introductions, advise on appropriate protocols, and identify respected cultural figures for inclusion; and
Support from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development to facilitate cooperation with island councils and village representatives.

Financial and In-Kind Contributions

Modest co-funding or logistical support, such as assistance with local transport, accommodation, or interpretation services;
Access to government vessels or transport between islands, when available; and
Permission to use public buildings or community spaces as temporary portrait sites or meeting locations.

Cultural and Legal Guidance

Review and feedback on the project’s consent and documentation process to ensure alignment with national standards and community expectations;
Support in observing appropriate customs and cultural protocols, especially in sensitive or traditional contexts; and
Guidance on the representation of traditional clothing, language, and other cultural identifiers.

Proposed Communications and Media Collaboration

This project offers Tuvalu a powerful opportunity to lead its own global narrative. This is more than a cultural record. It is a media-driven opportunity to place Tuvalu at the center of international conversation.

To ensure widespread understanding and lasting impact, we are developing a comprehensive communications strategy that connects Tuvaluan communities with global audiences. Our intention is to actively engage our professional networks in the international media, arts, academic, and other communities to generate momentum around this project before, during, and after its completion. Through strategic global outreach, The Faces of Tuvalu will attract attention from major news outlets, cultural institutions, and thought leaders, generating sustained visibility for the nation and its people.

We invite the Government of Tuvalu to join us in this effort to ensure the nation's voice is amplified and its people seen with clarity, dignity, and pride. With aligned national and international outreach, The Faces of Tuvalu can be recognized as one of the most significant artistic and scholarly projects of the 21st century.

As part of this collaboration, we propose:

Coordinating with the Tuvalu Broadcasting Corporation and relevant ministries to produce national announcements, radio broadcasts, and community updates that engage citizens across all islands;
Producing multilingual public awareness materials to inform communities and celebrate participation at every stage;
Documenting select moments of government collaboration as part of the visual and historical record;
Connecting with national institutions such as Tuvalu’s archives, museum, and library for long-term exhibition, education, and preservation;
Aligning messaging with official government communications to ensure unity and clarity across local and international platforms; and
Jointly promoting the project as a beacon of cultural resilience and human dignity through exhibitions, academic forums, and international press.

By actively shaping how Tuvalu is seen and understood around the world, The Faces of Tuvalu can build long-term international solidarity, attract academic and cultural partnerships, and reinforce Tuvalu’s presence as a leader in cultural storytelling and human-centered diplomacy.