The Pacific Arts Alliance

The new Fiji Centre for the Arts is now open in Suva giving both domestic and international arts patrons a chance to see the best of Fiji's creative talents.  The Centre also provides a hub for collaboration and creation for local and international artists.  It is a focal point for dance, theatre, music, fine art, crafts and fashion, and creative business,  and bringing together many diverse elements of Fiji's arts and crafts.

Resident artists came together in the opening night ceremony and included performances from both Heritage and contemporary dancers by Kabu ni Vanua and Rako dance group.  A snippet of Kapui's design collection was exhibited, and an inspiring performance by the students  of the resident Conservatorium of Music culminated the extravaganza. 

Heritage art forms and Fine art pieces from over 50 local artists were exhibited at the Centre's Gallery.  The Fijian public and private sector, in addition to overseas embassies, were well represented at the launch with well over 100 people coming to the ceremony.

Additionally, the Conservatorium of Music which is one of the resident institutions, is Fiji's first private art institution which focuses on the training and development of professional musicians.  The Fiji Fashion Week a new initiative to develop the fashion sector is also resident at the Centre and working with the Fiji Arts Council to provide new platforms for Fiji and Pacific designers.

The Centre is a unique initiative in that it receives no funding, but is a true cooperative by those resident artists who are self-funding tenants committed to a united vision of a space and centre for Fiji's artists.  A space that they can develop without boundaries, collaborate and claim ownership.  With very little investment of resources for the arts, the idea of a Centre for Fiji Arts seemed a distant dream, but the residents of the center proactively came to the collective decision to work towards the realization of this dream.

The center provides a home for all of Fiji's artists, a space that they can claim as their own.  While resident artists rent their own studios and spaces, the Fiji Arts Council, Rako Studios and Conservatorium of Music provide spaces for non-resident artists to participate, workshop, to meet or simply spend time collaborating and creating alongside resident artists.  The Gallery space, the Heritage arts showroom and the dance spaces are open and available for non-resident artists to display their work.  So it provides much avenue and much scope for a new platform for artists and an environment for creativity, innovation and collaboration.

Contact details:

Fiji Centre for the Arts and Fiji Arts Council,
Waimanu Road (opposite RB Patel),
Suva
Telephone: (679) 3311754
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm
CreatiVITI
Nadi
Telephone: (679) 6727070

All pictures are the property of the Fiji Arts Council