Who We Are
Púuna is a creative community dedicated to helping families and individuals slow down, connect, and make together. We believe that making is more than an activity—it’s medicine. Through our products, workshop kits, resources, and hands-on workshops, we nurture wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and foster community care. Our approach is grounded in connection, creativity, and accessibility, so everyone can experience the joy and healing that comes from creating together.
Our Artists
Lia Pa’apa’a is an artist, creative producer, educator and Community Arts and Cultural Development practitioner working across regional, remote and urban Australia.
A proud Luiseño and Pacifika woman with family connections to Southern California, Samoa and Tonga, Lia’s creative practice is deeply connected to weaving, food, cultural knowledge, family and community.
For more than 15 years, Lia has worked alongside artists, families, young people and communities to create participatory arts experiences, workshops, festivals and cultural programs.
Her practice explores the intersection of art, culture, care, parenting and community, with a particular focus on creating spaces where children, young people and carers can participate as artists and cultural leaders.
Lia is passionate about reimagining how we engage families—not simply as audiences or participants, but as makers, storytellers, knowledge holders and creators of culture.
Púuna brings these ideas together through her ongoing Community Arts and Cultural Development practice.
Lia Pa’apa’a
Lead Artist + Creative Producer
Johannah Maza is a Cairns-based artist, social worker and community practitioner of Yidinji Malanbarra, Meriam Komet and Irish heritage.
As a lead artist with Púuna, Johannah works with carers, babies, children and young people through creative programs that bring together art, food, cultural practice and connection.
Her practice is holistic and relational, drawing on her experience working with children and families and her interests in cooking, gardening, weaving, plant medicine and textile arts.
Johannah is passionate about creating inclusive and welcoming environments where people can connect through creativity, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families.
Together, Lia and Johannah bring complementary creative, cultural and community practices to Púuna, creating spaces where people can make, connect, learn and grow together.