16 Aug 2005

Major new exhibition of Polynesian art in Britain

11:44 am on 16 August 2005

The organiser of a major new exhibition of Polynesian art in Britain hopes the archaeological treasures on display will inspire visiting artists to create new work.

Curator Dr Amiria Henare is preparing the Pasifika Styles exhibition at the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which will be open to the public for a minimum of eighteen months from late April.

Gallery demonstrations, workshops, talks and performances will be given throughout the show by visiting artists.

The exhibition will coincide with the annual meeting of the European Pacific Arts Association and will also see a one-week festival of Pacific arts, incorporating theatre, music and dance.

There's not been a large exhibition of Polynesian art in Britain before, although a great deal of material is held in storage.