Artists, experts and academics from across the globe gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau this week for the Padific Arts Association International Symposium.
The PAA is in it’s 40th year of existence since it’s inaugural conference back in 1974. There have been numerous meetings at various locations across the Pacific and around the world.
Professor Hirini Moko Mead was one of the initial founders of the Pacific Arts Association whose aim was to provide a forum for dialogue and awareness about Pacific arts and culture.
This year's symposium was presented over four days and scheduled between Auckland's Pasifika Festival last week and The ASB Auckland Secondary School’s Polyfest which is currently happening.
A wide range of ideas and topics were presented over the four days to provoke discussion and encourage exchange, from well-established experts to emerging artists. There was a strong focus on material culture from the wider Pacific, and from as far as Taiwan, Amsterdam and New York.