Sāmoa Arts Fono Showcased the Strength of Pacific Creativity

2026-03-26 - 00:24

The Sāmoa Arts Fono wrapped up on 6 March 2026, marking the end of a powerful three-day event for the region’s creative sector. The event brought together a wide range of people, including artists, musicians, writers, poets, dancers, cultural experts, museum workers, educators, business leaders, and government representatives. Participants travelled from Samoa, American Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Fiji, creating strong cultural exchange and open discussion. Organised by the Talanoa Arts Forum, the event was held across three venues on Upolu — EFKS Museum, Tiapapata Arts Centre, and Ōfaga Research Museum. It was the first time a private sector-led event of this kind has been held in Samoa. Discussions focused on key challenges facing cultural industries in Samoa and across the Pacific. These included limited resources, protecting cultural heritage, supporting creativity, and building more sustainable practices for the future. The Fono attracted 496 participants, while videos shared on social media reached more than one million views. These numbers highlight growing interest in Samoa’s cultural sector, both locally and internationally. Organisers say the event helped strengthen connections across the Pacific and created new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. A short showreel highlighting the event is now available online. Talanoa Arts Forum will also take the conversation further, presenting key insights from the Fono at the AXIS Speaks event in Auckland on 26 March 2026. The event is hosted by the Commercial Communications Council, which represents agencies in advertising, media, and communications across New Zealand. The goal is to create more opportunities for Samoa-based creatives to connect with the global creative industry. The organisers acknowledged support from funding partners including the Pacific Feminist Trust, the New Zealand High Commission in Apia, and the Samoa Tourism Authority. Appreciation was also extended to private sector partners such as Samoa Breweries Ltd (Taula Beverages). Special recognition was given to Hikule’o o Ono’aho and Haumanu Collective for their live performances, which brought traditional music and cultural presence to the event. A full report on the outcomes of the 2026 Sāmoa Arts Fono will be released in April. It will include recordings of panel discussions and will be available on Talanoa Arts Forum’s YouTube channel and social media pages. Organisers hope the report will help guide future policies and support the growth of Samoa’s cultural sector as an important part of the country’s development.