Celebrate the arts and culture of the Pacific Islands when the Contemporary Pacific Arts Festival returns to Footscray Community Arts Centre this month.
Now in its third year, the festival returns from April 9-11 to explore ‘Oceania Now’ – the spiritual, physical, cultural and political dimensions of contemporary Pacific Islander identity.
Director Lia Pa’apa’a (pictured) says the festival will span an array of artworks, design, film, dance, spoken word and literature from both Islander artists and diaspora communities around Australia.
“We are championing and celebrating all aspects of Pacific culture,” she said. “We have people telling our stories in lots of different ways. It’s a great way to educate the mainstream community about Pacific Island communities and the importance of art in our lives.”
A two-day festival symposium will bring together creative practitioners, community elders, students, academics and arts industry professionals, while a community day on Sunday will offer free activities, including a concert featuring headline artist Radical Son, a Pasifika Fashion Parade, exhibitions, a marketplace featuring Pacific stalls and an array of live art demonstrations and workshops.
More details are at www.cpaf.com.au.
Benjamin Millar
