Oceanic Transformations Exhibition 2010

Without Fear or Favour by Torika Bolatagici

Oceanic Transformations Exhibitions - I am a Pacific Islander and I don't swim in the ocean alone

A new exhibition exploring Pacific diaspora and its relationships with the homeland.

8 - 11 April 2010
Victoria University
300 Flinders St, Melbourne

Curator Loketi Niua Latu

Artists
Torika Bolatagici (Fiji)
Emeretta Cross (Kiribati & Tuvalu)
Emily Mafile'o (Tonga)
Namila Benson (Papua New Guinea)

1.Bishop Foliaki by Emily Mafile'o & Loketi Niua Latu

2. First Mass by Emily Mafile'o & Loketi Niua Latu

3. Last Tu'itonga by Emily Mafile'o & Loketi Niua Latu

4. Protect Me by Torika Bolatagici

This exhibition opened in conjunction with the Australian Association for the Advancement of Pacific Studies Conference held at Victoria University, Melbourne - City Campus.

As the Federal Government launches its draft curriculum for years 1 - 10 in primary and secondary schools, the Australian Association for the Advancement of Pacific Studies is planning to hold its third Conference 'Oceanic Transformations' on a part of the world virtually ignored by the new draft curriculum.

Dr Michael Mel (University of Goroka) and Linda Koerner (Victoria University)

Academics, postgraduate students, journalists, and members of non-profit organizations including churches with an interest in the countries of Australia's neighbouring Pacific Island region will be convening for their third biennial conference at Melbourne's Victoria University from April 8th to 11th.

1.AAAPS planning committee - Bev Burnett, Irene Paulsen, Helen Hill, Kilisitina Sisifa
2. Maori performers
3.West Papua Performers
4. Shigeyuki Kihara

Prominent Pacific Islanders such as Mrs 'Alisi Taumoepeau, former Attorney General of Tonga, Dr Lyndes Wini, founder of a successful anti-Malaria program in Solomon Islands, Ms Siula Bulu of Vanatu's 'Won Small Bag' theatre group, Mr Wep Kanawi, former PNG senior civil servant turned HIV-AIDS activist, and Ms Mosmi Bhim, human rights activit from Fiji have been funded by AusAID to take part in the program which seeks to incorporate the study of our Pacific Island neighbours more thoroughly in educational curricula at schools and university levels.

Opening Day
1. Professor Brian King & Loketi Niua Latu
2. Professor Amareswar Galla, Dr Helen Hill, Dr Jean McLean
3. Professor Clive Moore

Academic papers in fields such as anthropology, history, politics, regional and international relations, political reform, land issues, tourism, health, environment, education, advocacy and social transformation, popular theatre and cultural heritage form the backbone of the conference.  Before the main conference smaller gatherings of civil society organizations, journalists and church members will discuss how their sector can contribute towards greater understanding between Australia and their Pacific Island neighbours.  Cultural activities by member of Pacific Island diaspora groups in Australia will also form a major part of the program.

1. Rita Hinekauia Morrison & Sina Brown-Davies
2. Sana Balai & Loketi Niua Latu

The organizers identify 'a contradtiction in Australia's role in the Oceanic region".  Official institutions are attempting to increase their influence in the region, yet Australians learn less and less from their educational institutions and media about this region."

Catalogue
Graphic design by Dale Mark Ackermann.  Printing by Impact Digital.