Atueta Rabuka, a distinguished artist and poet from Fiji, is advocating for a fundamental transformation in the way art is perceived in the nation. The 38-year-old stresses that obsolete stigmas surrounding the field are hindering the development of future Fijian talent. He argues that the decline in art as a viable career option is rooted in a pervasive lack of institutional support that begins long before students reach higher education.
Rabuka calls for systemic improvements at institutional levels to ultimately reshape the grassroots foundation of arts education. He emphasizes the need for schools to take art seriously, pointing out that in many countries, the arts are integrated as a fundamental component of education from kindergarten through high school. In contrast, he observes that art is often treated as a secondary subject in Fiji, leading to misunderstandings about its significance.
Reflecting on the societal attitude that emerged from the 1980s, Rabuka notes that the belief in traditional academic paths as the sole means to success continues to influence modern families. This mindset, he argues, mistakenly diminishes the value of artistic pursuits, labeling them as “useless.”
He advocates for a shift in perception, urging people to regard art with the same importance as agriculture, which in turn would allow for its true value to be recognized. Rabuka believes that if the creative sector were officially recognized as a primary industry, the economic benefits would be substantial.
Although the global “creative economy” is expanding rapidly, he points out that pursuing a career in art still faces significant resistance within many Fijian households. He insists that until educational institutions and governing bodies view the arts with the seriousness they deserve, there will be little progress in changing public attitudes.
Rabuka’s passionate plea highlights the critical need for a cultural shift regarding creativity. By fostering an environment that nurtures artistic talent, he hopes to catalyze a renaissance in Fiji’s creative industry that aligns with the burgeoning global landscape of imagination and innovation.
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