Polynesian Visual Arts;

Meanings and histories in Pacific and European cultural contexts, 1760-1860

Pacific Islands Public Conference                   

Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd December 2006

The Clore Centre, British Museum

A two-day conference was organised jointly by the British Museum and the Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia. The aim was to discuss the concept of taboo in the Pacific, to highlight new research into pacific art, and introduce Pacific Islands cultural groups in Britain.

Day 1:  Taboo in the Pacific: managing sanctity

Friday 1 December 2006

Clore Education Centre, BP Theatre

An academic conference on themes raised by the British Museum's Power and Taboo exhibition.

9.30-10.30      Registration West Foyer (tea & coffee will be served)

10.30-11.00     Introductions  

(papers 20 minutes with 10 minutes of discussion)

11.00 -12.00   First session: 2 papers

12.00-1.30      Lunch, with time to see exhibition

1.30-3.00        Second session: 3 papers

3.00-4.00        Coffee break

4.00- 5.00      Third session: 2 papers

6.00 -7.00       Keynote: Adrienne Kaeppler, introduced by Steven Hooper

7.00-8.00        drinks

Day 2: Pacific Islands in Britain

Saturday 2 December 2006

Clore Education Centre, BP Lecture Theatre

Talks and demonstrations by Pacific Islands artists and cultural groups, followed by performances by Beats of Polynesia and the Kiribati-Tuvalu Association.

In partnership with the Pacific Islands Society of the UK and Ireland (PISUKI)

An afternoon for Pacific Islanders to present and discuss the arts and culture they have brought to Britain.

(30 minute presentations with 10 minute questions)

2.00 Ngati Ranana on their work to promote and share New Zealand Maori culture

2.40 Beats of Polynesia on what it means to perform Cook Islands Maori dance

3.20 The Kiribati-Tuvalu Association on maintaining their Islands community overseas

4.00 Tea

4.30 The Pacific Islands in Britain: An open discussion with members of the Pacific Islands      groups, chaired by the Samoan artist Rosanna Raymond

Performances and displays by Island groups

(15 minute performances with intervals, table displays for Pacific organisations, drinks)

5.00 Beats of Polynesia, the Kiribati-Tuvalu Association and other artists perform and display  their work, while drinks are served.

Sainsbury Research Unit  / School of World Art Studies and Museology / Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts /  UEA / Project Home Page / Museum surveys