Waiw.ai Studios

ʻŌpio-led Story Innovation Studio

We are story gatherers and story makers using contemporary tools and emerging technologies to tell moʻolelo that only we can.

Our Hana

Weʻre a year-round production studio, incubator, think tank, and educational partner. We aim to cultivate the next generation of tech-empowered storytellers, implement sustainable studio practices, establish ethical storytelling protocols, accelerate youth-created content distribution, and develop new digital tools aligned with our values.

Our Hui

Our studio comprises middle and high schoolers from across the pae ʻāina who are passionate about the intersection of moʻolelo, media, and technology. They are supported by a dedicated team of experienced industry professionals and cultural practitioners. These mentors, with their diverse qualifications and expertise, guide and nurture the ʻōpio, ensuring a focus on the students’ personal and professional growth and development. Together, they create a dynamic environment where young creatives can thrive.

Our Studio

Waiw.AI Studios is based in Mōʻiliʻili at Hālau ʻĪnana, a vibrant hub for our activities. In addition to our main location, we host pop-up events and programs across O‘ahu throughout the year. These include community art studios, site visits, and partnerships with local schools, ensuring our reach is far.

Join the Studio

Waiw.ai is a multidisciplinary studio where keiki and ʻōpio can bring their ideas to life alongside other like-minded dreamers and doers. Young developers, designers and entrepreneurs are supported by a team of youth mentors and professionals.

Fall 2 session is held every Saturday from 12-4pm between 10/19-12/14/2024 (no studio 11/23). Our studio is located at Hālau ʻĪnana in Mōʻiliʻili on Oʻahu. 

Applications due 9/28/2024

Studio Benefits

Our studio provides members with connection, collaboration, coaching, and community support to help realize their creative visions. Benefits include:

  • Build pilina with fellow dreamers and doers
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Access to studio space
  • Use of professional equipment
  • Software licenses
  • Production funding
  • Personalized mentoring
  • Project management support
  • On-demand skill-building workshops and social-emotional learning (SEL)
  • ʻOhana workshops and educational sessions
  • Opportunities to showcase work (Hōʻike)
  • Participation in huakaʻi and special events

Eligibility

Membership in Waiw.AI Studios is by invitation and application only. Applicants are reviewed based on specific criteria and space availability.

Ideal candidates:

  • Are interested in the intersection of culture, media and technology 
  • Are motivated to develop a specific idea in the studio
  • Are able to commit to 8 Saturday studios in-person at Hālau ʻĪnana in Mōʻiliʻili from 12-4pm between 10/19-12/14 (no studio 11/23).
  • Are in 6th grade or higher
 
No prior experience required. 
Memberships are offered at no cost to participants.
Applications due 9/28/2024

Ways to Support Waiw.ai Studios

Sponsor Our New Podcast

Support our mini mana wahine as they launch their storytelling and thought leadership podcast this fall. Your sponsorship will elevate your brand and invest in their vision, aligning with Purple Maiʻa’s mission of nurturing culturally-grounded, tech-savvy leaders.

Fund Our Youth Alakaʻi

Your sponsorship can support the participation of youth in our studio by providing financial stipends for living expenses, fostering leadership and personal growth in alignment with the principles of Eahou and Purple Maiʻa’s commitment to community empowerment.

Support Our Next Publication

Help us bring our next youth publication to life by contributing to the funding needed for production and distribution. This supports our mission of amplifying youth voices and promoting innovative storytelling.

Cover Our Travel Expenses

Your support can cover inter-island airfare, transportation, and lodging for youth and families, facilitating their participation in conferences, conventions, and events. This helps us continue creating opportunities for our ʻōpio to learn, grow, and share their moʻolelo with the broader community.

I'd like to support!

Featured Project

We published our first comic book! In February 2024, Waiw.AI Studios took a huakaʻi to Nation of Hawaiʻi in Waimānalo to gather stories from kiaʻi and through kilo. Into Da Ponoverse is our first endeavor into story-gathering on ʻāina and storytelling powered by both AI and ea.

Studio Kine Tings