Fiji’s creative arts sector is facing significant challenges due to its informal and underdeveloped nature, as noted during a recent press briefing in Suva, which focused on the preparations for the upcoming Dance Fest Fiji 2025. The concerns raised highlight ongoing obstacles that hinder artists, particularly dancers, from establishing sustainable careers within the industry.
Katrina Talei Igglesden, the Director of the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific, emphasized the pressing need for grassroots support to foster growth in the dance sector. She advocated for strong local backing alongside international partnerships, stressing that without community investment in various forms—beyond financial support—the sector cannot thrive as it should.
Igglesden reflected on the ongoing efforts to create an adequate platform for local dancers, acknowledging the importance of nurturing the local talent pool in fostering a vibrant arts scene. Maciu Betei, Director of the Fiji Arts Council, responded positively to Igglesden’s statements. He confirmed that discussions are already progressing with Mr. Tobeyaweni, founder of the Mata Dance Group and the Fiji Island Dance Association, aimed at enhancing the welfare of dance professionals in Fiji. Betei highlighted that while various art collectives are in existence, there is a need to strengthen their functional capabilities to better support the development of the creative sector.
The anticipation surrounding the Dance Fest Fiji serves as a crucial opportunity for the local arts community to gain visibility and support. Arts leaders have indicated that the focus must now shift towards establishing enduring systems that can convert passion into professional opportunities, moving performances into actionable policies that ensure growth for the creative arts in Fiji.
In light of this, the government’s recent commitment to integrating cultural initiatives into national development plans presents a hopeful outlook for the arts sector. A parallel effort involves launching the Fiji Cultural Statistics Framework, which aims to gather essential data to advocate for improved support and funding for local artists. With events such as the Fiji Fringe Festival celebrating local talent and contributing to the creative economy, there is a sense of optimism for the future.
Promoting the creative sector not only reinforces Fiji’s cultural identity but also enhances community bonding, presenting productive prospects for artists and societal engagement. The ongoing support from both local and international partners is vital as Fiji strives to cultivate a thriving and sustainable artistic landscape, ensuring that the diverse cultural expressions continue to flourish.
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