Artful Dodger: The 'Big Island' in the Pacific

Abstract

A discussion regarding artists of Pacific Island heritage who have been seriously marginalised in visual arts institutions, comparing Australia's approach to that of New Zealand, a country that has 'vigorously promoted its promoted Maori and Pacific Diasporic artists' for the past two decades. Zeplin's investigation addresses the issues of funding opportunities for Pacific Islanders, the role of the Asia Pacific Triennial , the lack of regional exhibitions and publications focusing on Pacific Art, the effect of governmental policies to encourage Pacific Island participation, as well as the important role of online communities and workshops to allow Pacific Island artists to collaborate and nurture each other personally and professionally.