Focus: Mapping and Unmapping the Pacific

In this presentation I explore the ways in which performing arts festivals, particularly the Festival of Pacific Arts held every four years, shapes cultural and political relations in Oceania.

Recently the Secretariat of the Pacific Community has prioritised development through heritage and the arts in order to "structure the culture sector" in the Pacific Islands. A major tool for this process is building cultural policies in each member state. I discuss the potential impact of this and the ongoing significance of cultural exchange and regional identity formation through the arts.

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Alternative (for readers in China)

Photo courtesy of K. Teaiwa

Also watch an interview of Katerina just before the conference in which she discusses the representation of the Pacific in Australian popular culture

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Alternative (for readers in China)

Written by : Katerina Teaiwa Send a message to Katerina Teaiwa