Clarriann Futai uses performance art to advocate for youth in the Solomon Islands.
Fierce, driven and a changemaker, Clarriann Futai takes her role of advocating for Solomon Islands youth through storytelling and performing arts, seriously.
Based at Dreamcast Theater Solomon Islands, Clarriann uses the written word, acting and other performing arts as tools for social change, to uplift local youth and communities.
“I do this by developing meaningful narratives which highlight the experiences, struggles and resilience within the communities…and the importance of cultural values,” Clarriann says.
Selected from over 200 applicants, Clarriann is one of 30 Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) hailing from 20 Pacific nations, who have been selected to embark on a journey, highlighting the power of Pacific storytelling through digital media.
From March 10-13, 2026, the United States Department of State and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) will co-host the YPL Navigating the digital landscape workshop, with a focus on truth, transparency and technology in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
“I am really hoping to gain insightful knowledge on navigating the digital landscape and also, to converse, connect and collaborate with other Young Pacific Leaders who choose to amplify their stories and cultures, rooted in values and traditions,” Clarriann explains.
The ever-changing digital landscape has already impacted the performing arts space, by making it more accessible via social media platforms, she adds.
She says increased accessibility means communities in the provinces can use art and various forms of storytelling to simply express their truth, which makes the messages more meaningful.
While hugely beneficial, digital technology also has its challenges, so the March workshop will be a great learning opportunity for her and the other YPL, Clarriann says.
“Some challenges encountered using digital technology include the limited access of digital devices to target audiences and also the misinterpretation of stories when the context is not clear.”
Although excited about the workshop and what insights she can gain from it, Clarriann is looking forward to experiencing the rich culture, history, food and nature of Aotearoa, and attending some of the festivals happening at the same time.
Storytelling can take many forms, and the high calibre of successful applicants selected from over 200 candidates for the workshop, have a variety of backgrounds, from media and communications specialists to educators, researchers, health practitioners, digital entrepreneurs and visual artists.
Cohort to attend the March workshop:
- Wallace Aroita (Cook Islands)
- Julie Cooper (Niue)
- Aritika Burennara (Kiribati)
- Asia Camacho Hilario (CNMI)
- Camo Diaz Egurrola (Guåhan)
- Absalom Edwards (Marshall Islands)
- Clarriann Futai (Solomon Islands)
- Gina Ishmael (Vanuatu)
- Kreetika Kumar (Fiji)
- Gabby Langkilde (American Samoa)
- Jasmine Leota (Aotearoa New Zealand)
- Tony Leota (Samoa)
- Pita Loloma (Fiji)
- Magic Lus (Australia)
- Don Maifala (American Samoa)
- Lincy Marino (Palau)
- Michaela Montoya Gatdula (CNMI)
- Ondine Moyatea-Ferdnandez (New Caledonia)
- Dr Lavau Nalu (PNG)
- Jay Nasilasila (Fiji)
- Chelsea Pedro (Palau)
- Rain Sancher (FSM)
- Antonnia Singut (PNG)
- Penina Sua-loa (Samoa)
- Maria Tanner (Cook Islands)
- Tahnee Tchen (French Polynesia
- Esther Tetava (Cook Islands
- Pohaikealoha Worley (Hawai’i)
- Gitty Yee (Tuvalu)
- Kanoelani Toshida (Hawai’i)
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more information about the US Department of State program.
