FestPAC 2024 at Bishop Museum
- 7th – 15th June, 2024
- 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
- Hawaiʻi 2024
As Hawaiʻi prepares to host the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) from June 6 – 16, 2024, Bishop Museum is proud to play a pivotal role in welcoming the procession of delegations from 28 Pacific Island nations. This monumental event, celebrated for its vibrant showcase of Pacific Islander heritage and culture, aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission to honor and preserve the rich history of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Bishop Museum, as a beacon of cultural preservation and education, is excited to extend its aloha to the participants and visitors of FestPAC 2024. Our museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Pacific peoples, offering a treasure trove of knowledge, artifacts, and exhibits that echo the themes of FestPAC. We are committed to providing a space where the stories, arts, and traditions of the Pacific can be celebrated, explored, and understood in deeper, more meaningful ways.
In anticipation of FestPAC 2024, the museum is curating special exhibits and programs designed to complement the festival’s offerings and enrich the experience of its attendees. From immersive displays that highlight the navigational prowess of Polynesian voyagers to interactive workshops that delve into the art of Pacific Islander crafts, the museum aims to be a cornerstone of the FestPAC experience, fostering a greater appreciation for the cultural wealth of our region.
Bishop Museum’s involvement in FestPAC 2024 is not just an opportunity to showcase our collections and expertise but also a moment to strengthen our connections with the wider Pacific community. It is a chance to affirm our role as a custodian of Pacific heritage and to participate actively in a dialogue that spans oceans and generations.
We invite everyone, from local residents to international visitors, to join us at the museum during FestPAC 2024. Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, celebration, and understanding that transcends borders and unites us in our shared history and future.
As we look forward to this incredible event, we are reminded of the power of culture to bring people together, to teach us about who we are, and to inspire us with visions of what we can achieve together. The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is honored to welcome the world to Hawaiʻi for FestPAC 2024 and to contribute to this global celebration of Pacific arts and culture.
Kau Ka Pe‘a Holo Ka Wa‘a:
Celebrating Voyaging Throughout Moananuiākea
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Perpetuating Pacific Culture for 50 years
The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders. The South Pacific Commission (now The Pacific Community – SPC) launched this dynamic showcase of arts and culture in 1972 to halt the erosion of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange. It is a vibrant and culturally enriching event celebrating the unique traditions, artistry, and diverse cultures of the Pacific region. FestPAC serves as a platform for Pacific Island nations to showcase their rich heritage and artistic talents.
The roots of FestPAC trace back to the 1970s when Pacific Island nations commenced discussion on the need to preserve and promote their unique cultural identities. The hope was to create a space where Pacific Islanders could convene to share their traditional arts, crafts, music, dance, and oral traditions with the world. This initiative was driven by the desire to strengthen cultural bonds among Pacific Island communities and foster a greater understanding of their cultures.
The inaugural Festival of Pacific Art and Culture took place in 1972 in Suva, Fiji. Over the years, FestPAC has evolved and grown in stature, becoming a highly anticipated event for both Pacific Islanders and visitors from around the world. The festival has not only preserved traditional arts and culture but has also served as a platform for contemporary Pacific Island artists to express their creativity and address contemporary issues.
One of the festival’s most important objectives is to promote cultural exchange and understanding among the participating nations. It provides an opportunity for artists and cultural practitioners to learn from each other, share stories, and forge lasting connections. FestPAC serves as a reminder of the common heritage that binds Pacific Island nations and highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating their heritage.
Since its inception, FestPAC has been hosted by different Pacific Island nations on a rotational basis. Each host country takes on the responsibility of organizing and hosting the festival, providing a unique opportunity to showcase their own culture and hospitality. Host nations have all played a pivotal role in the festival’s success. They have worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for artists and visitors alike, ensuring that FestPAC remains a foundation of cultural exchange and celebration in the Pacific.
