Our History

Hawaiʻi ArtSpace was conceptualized by Bree Kaleʻa Peters, with much of the groundwork laid beginning in 2018. Bree was widely known as an actress, director, producer, and puppetry specialist, with a career spanning decades in Hawaiʻi’s theatre community.

A fifth‑generation, Hawaiʻi‑born local, Bree spent her youth working at theatres across Oʻahu and later at mainland venues, including Boston Children’s Theatre. A multi‑award‑winning director and producer, she devoted nearly forty years to Mānoa Valley Theatre, where she ultimately served as Associate Producer and Artistic Director before relocating to Waimea, Hawaiʻi in 2017.

Bree’s extensive experience brought both creative depth and steady leadership. She was deeply committed to cultural development and to expanding meaningful engagement with the arts. Believing that creativity connects and unifies communities, Bree was known for thinking “outside the sphere.” She met challenges head‑on, collaborated generously, and took great joy in working alongside Hawaiʻi’s many talented and emerging artists.

Bree envisioned Hawaiʻi ArtSpace as a forward‑looking, project‑based organization—one rooted in collaboration and dedicated to creating innovative, relevant work. Her vision was to serve both local communities and the broader state by bringing to life stories that reflect the Islands’ cultural richness, history, and lived experience. Central to that vision was inspiring local writers, actors, and artists through multidisciplinary arts practice.

As Executive Artistic Director of Hawaiʻi ArtSpace, Bree planned to draw upon her many years as a director and producer to lead the organization in creating thoughtful, challenging, and impactful new work.

Not long after founding Hawaiʻi ArtSpace, Bree was diagnosed with cancer. She refused to let her health battle sideline her dream. Instead, she gathered trusted friends and collaborators, asking them to carry the torch forward and ensure that Hawaiʻi ArtSpace would continue beyond her lifetime.

Bree, we honor you for your artistry, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to bringing the creative arts to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo nui loa. Ke aloha!