17 May 2012

Seven Samoan artists to visit NZ

7:49 am on 17 May 2012

Seven Samoan artists are to visit New Zealand for a week next month as part of a cultural exchange celebrating Samoa's 50th anniversary of independence and the close links between both countries.

Creative New Zealand, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Museum and Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, will mark Samoa's Golden Jubilee with a programme of public demonstrations and workshops.

The visiting Samoan artists specialise in heritage arts and will participate in a week of activities in Auckland and Wellington.

Creative New Zealand chief executive, Stephen Wainwright, says the exchange recognises the history of Samoa and New Zealand's relationship, supports the future of Pacific heritage arts in New Zealand, and brings together Pasifika and Māori artists who share a lot of common ground.

Samoa marks its 50th anniverssary of independence from New Zealand from June the 1st.