This three-day event is a powerful Talanoa – which in the Pacific is an in-depth conversation or dialogue. The Talanoa has been created in collaboration with Pacific artists, youth ambassadors and community leaders. It will feature a series of intimate and interactive sessions that explore how art, cultural practice, and collective dreaming can shape a vibrant future for Pasifika people in Taranaki and beyond.
“The Talanoa sessions are a dynamic extension of our current exhibition, Lalaga: Le Hui Fono, weaving together the exhibition artists and our community, aiming to deepen connections through interactive and immersive public experience.”
The current exhibition Lalaga: Le Hui Fono, open until 11 May, features new artworks created in the gallery alongside significant historical pieces, encouraging intergenerational storytelling and cultural experiences.
“Lalaga: Le Hui Fono is a vital long-term initiative designed to deepen relationships between the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa creatives,” says Lleah Smith, the Gallery’s Public Programs and Learning Lead.
“This programme fosters collaboration, mutual support, and cultural exchange, making it essential for anyone interested in supporting and celebrating Pasifika art and culture,”
Highlights of the weekend include artist presentations and responses, interactive workshops, youth and community-led dialogue, curatorial discussions on Pacific art practices, community cooking sessions and shared kai.
There will be a different theme each day with day one centred on laying the foundation with reflection, film and artist-led conversation. On day two we share stories, food and creative visions for future collaboration before the final day which looks at building lasting connections through storytelling, art and collective discussion.
Guided by Pacific Public Programme Coordinator Theresa Tongi, Pacific Curator at Large Ruha Fifita, and the Gallery’s Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Advisory Group, Lalaga: Le Hui Fono is a space to gather, reflect, create and grow.
Visit govettbrewster.com to find out more.
