The Pacific Arts Association: Upcoming Dates 2015/2016
The Pacific Arts Association has 3 important events coming up in the late half of 2015 and early 2016 including Trading Traditions in Tonga, Pacifique(S) in France and the PAA International Symposium in New Zealand. See below for more details.
Trading Traditions: The Role of Art in the Pacific’s Expansive Exchange Networks
 Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga
30 September-4 October 2015
 The Pacific Branch of the Pacific Arts Association is calling for interest in its 2015 conference, to be held at the Fa’onelua Conference Centre in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from 30 September to 4 October, 2015. Recent archaeological investigations have confirmed what we already knew– that there was widespread trade among islands and cultures across the pacific well in advance of the European arrival.  The theme of this conference offers a myriad of investigations into the role/s art has played in the exchange of objects, peoples, technologies, and ideologies in the pre-historic, historic, or modern Pacific. It is not limited to ‘physical’ exchanges, but also addresses complex social, economic and political arrangements/interactions between interconnected systems, structures and peoples. Among others, we seek to enhance our understanding of how art moved across time and through communities, why some exchanges were more successful than others and how geography, technology, or localized social structures influenced artistic function, meaning or traditions. The Conference structure will include, but is not limited to, paper presentations, panel exchanges, small group discussions, an exhibition, and excursions to local monuments.  Film and multi-media experiences would be welcomed as well as performative or other Innovative events dealing with the theme of trade and interaction.
Abstracts or Proposals are due prior to 1 May to Karen Stevenson: ks-kf@xtra.co.nz
Pacifique(S)
Le Havre University, France
4-6 November 2015
A 3 day international conference entitled “Pacifique(S)†will take place at the University of Le Havre in France on the 4th, 5th and 6th of November 2015.This is an inter-disciplinary conference that calls for papers addressing the following broad thematic concerns:OceansHistoriesDiasporaThe conference will coincide with “Pacifique(S) Contemporain†a curatorial project featuring thirteen Maori and Pacific artists in nine gallery and public spaces in Rouen and Le Havre.The exhibitions explore and reconsider relationships between Europe and the Pacific.We are interested in developing dialogue, connections and critical explorations across a range of subjects and disciplinary areas from every country and region of the Pacific.Organizers: Le GRIC (groupe de recherche identités cultures) Université du Havre. Dr. Jacqueline Charles-Rault (Université du Havre) Dr. Caroline Vercoe (The University of Auckland, New Zealand), L’ESADHaR (L’école Supérieur d’Art et Design Le Havre et Rouen) et Le Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, Le Havre.Please send an abstract of up to 250 words if you wish to participate to Dr. Jacqueline Charles-Rault.Email: jacqueline.charles-rault@univ-lehavre.frA publication is envisaged for the selected papers for the conference. Deadline for abstracts: 30th May 2015
12th Pacific Arts Association International Symposium 2016
Auckland, New Zealand
14-17 March 2016
The 12th Pacific Arts Association International Symposium 2016 will be hosted by Auckland Museum in what promises to be a dynamic and engaging symposium that will take place between two iconic Pacific events in Auckland.With Pasifika Festival (11-12 March) and Polyfest (most likely to occur 18-20 March), we encourage you to make the most of this time and consider planning your participation at the 12th Pacific Arts Association International Symposium with one or both of these events in mind.12th Pacific Arts Association International Symposium 14-17 March 2016
