Pelenakeke Brown is a multidisciplinary New Zealand artist. At age nine she became a founding member and company dancer of Touch Compass, performing with the company from 1997 to 2000. She later studied at the University of Auckland, completing a BA in Pacific studies and English literature, and took part in the Be.Leadership program with the accessibility organization Be. Lab. In 2019 she received the Disability Dance Artistry Award from Dance/NYC, and in 2020 she was recognized with the Pacific Toa award at Creative New Zealand's Arts Pasifika Awards.
Pelenakeke Brown. Photo by Greta van der Star
