The inaugural Manukau Pacific Arts Summit creates a unique platform for dialogue in the world of Pacific visual arts with its Curating Pacific Arts Forum.

The forum is free and is presented by Manukau Arts in association with UNESCO. It fittingly takes place on 21 May - the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development during the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

The forum will bring together curators, academics, artists and cultural commentators to discuss and create strategies for the development of the curation of Pacific art. The event provides a forum for experts and practitioners to consider the current role and status of Pacific arts in the world and future directions Pacific art and artists may take.

Contributors to the forum include keynote speaker Professor Konai Helu-Thaman of the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, freelance curators Kolokesa Mahina-Tuai, Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna'i and Jim Vivieaere, Sean Mallon, Senior Curator Pacific Cultures at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Pandora Fulimalo Pereira, Curator – Pacific at Auckland Museum and Ema Tavola, Pacific Arts Coordinator, Fresh Gallery Otara.

Mahina-Tuai, who is a co-curator of the Tongan Style exhibition currently installed at Fresh Gallery Otara, says that the forum comes at an opportune time.

“There is a need to foster curators of Pacific heritage so having a line up of experienced and established curators to impart their knowledge and experience is a great way to do that. Professor Konai Helu-Thaman has a wealth of knowledge and experience, not only as an academic but as an artist of Pacific heritage, and she will be able to offer both a regional and international perspective”.

People wishing to attend the forum are asked to register by phoning Nicole Lim at Fresh Gallery Otara on 271 6019 or emailing Brett.Stirling@manukau.govt.nz

Curating Pacific Art Forum
Presented as part of the 2010 Manukau Pacific Arts Summit
Friday 21 May, 10.00am – 3.30pm
Fo Guang Shan North Island Temple
Botany Downs
Free, registration required.