06 Nov 2019
A dynamic forum for the Pacific community to share and exchange heritage arts knowledge and experiences is set to begin in Wellington from 20 – 23 November.
The Pacific Heritage Arts Fono is a three day event to support the development of Pacific arts in Aotearoa. It was first hosted by Auckland Museum in 2015 and then under the stewardship of the Pacifica Arts Centre in Henderson, West Auckland.
For the first time, the Pacific Heritage Arts Fono will be hosted outside of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), enabling more Pacific communities to participate. The fono is being hosted by Massey University’s College of Creative Arts (COCA) working in partnership with Te Papa Tongarewa and Wellington Museum, with support from the Pacifica Arts Centre under Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2018-2023.
The fono brings together guest speakers, knowledge holders and artists from around Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region.
Creative Director Pacific for COCA Herbert Bartley worked with a Wellington-based committee to decide on this year’s theme: E lē falala fua le niu, 'ae falala ona o le matagi - The coconut tree does not sway on its own but is swayed by the wind.
“This theme is apt for Wellington, but is also relevant across all of the Pacific. Ancestral knowledge of the winds and its transformative nature fits nicely with the direction we are taking the Fono this year,” says Bartley.
Arts Council member Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban says, “we’re deeply honoured the Pacific Heritage Arts Fono is being held in Pōneke (Wellington) as it’s such an amazing chance to acknowledge that heritage is where the Arts begin. As we continue to implement our Pacific Arts Strategy 2018-2023, we hope the event grows and benefits our Pacific artists and New Zealand.”
The opening night will take place on Wednesday 20 November, with the fono taking place from Thursday 21 November to Saturday 23 November.
All are welcome with entry by donation - registration essential.
For registrations and further information, please contact Tuaratini: tu@pacificaarts.org
Share this
