A vibrant week-long cultural exchange programme bringing together Māori and Fijians artists has commenced at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) at The University of South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala campus in Suva.
Ki uta – ki tai is an 8-day cultural arts exchange that celebrates the rich traditions, creativity, and shared heritage of the Pacific. The programme consists of Māori and Fijian contemporary artists from various creative backgrounds connecting and sharing in culture and creative practices. Through wānanga and talanoa the Māori artists are paired up with their Fijian counterparts to develop new techniques, ideas and collaborate.
The highlight of the programme is a contemporary art exhibition by the participating artists that will showcase their work inspired by traditional heritage and their shared experiences.
Participating artists include Natalie Couch, Lambert Ho, Māui Taewa, Ropate Kama, Regan Balzer, Keresi Vosavakamatailada, Hiwirori Maynard, Ledua Peni, Dorothy Waetford, Katarina Lesumai, Carla Ruka, Amelia Lesumai, Donn Ratana and Ben Fong.
Māori Fijian curator and artist Margaret Aull is excited to lead this initiative alongside Director of OCACPS, Dr Katrina Talei Igglesden, who hosted an exchange at the Fiji Museum in 2023.
“Extending this year’s exchange to include an exhibition will help create a longer-lasting impact through community engagement and interaction, while also celebrating Indigenous talent and skill,” she said.
The engagement also includes workshopping in clay, painting, print making as well as opportunity for public to participate, learn and share knowledge. An open day for the USP community and the general public will be held on Friday 3 October which will include artist talks and workshops for wider groups to participate.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow says “the Ki uta – ki tai exchange strengthens the bonds between our artists and communities, while also celebrating the resilience and diversity of indigenous cultures.”
The artists will also visit the Fiji Museum, Fiji Arts Council and local craft markets to connect and explore.
The exchange is supported by the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies at The University of the South Pacific (USP), Creative New Zealand, and the Pacific Community (SPC).
Background: Ki uta – ki tai: This statement refers to being connected to both land and sea and that even small moments can often be significant and reverberate across water, valleys and mountains to the heart of people. Stars, winds, and currents provide maps across oceans, and it is through these pathways; land and sea we restore relationships and renew energy that celebrate cultural identity, community, and shared futures.
