The celebration of Pacific arts and culture resonated through the launch of the Allan Alo Arts Festival (AAAF) 2024 held at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus on Monday.
Hosted at the Oceania Art Gallery, the event saw the unveiling of a retrospective exhibition showcasing artworks that embodied the teachings and vision of the late Allan Alo and Epeli Hau’ofa.
A media update from USP stated the gallery also held special significance, not only as a beacon of cultural and artistic expression in the region but also as the place where Allan’s remarkable journey began.
The festival opened with a stunning performance, followed by a captivating exhibition of renowned Pacific artists.
It set the stage for a vibrant celebration that promised to captivate audiences by focusing on Pacific cultural heritage, with contributions from regional guest artists as well as students of the late Allan Alo in Fiji.
The deputy head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) Dr Rosiana Lagi said the launch was not just the beginning of a week-long festival, it was also a celebration of the enduring spirit of Pacific arts.
“It is an opportunity to honour Allan Alo’s contributions, reflect on the past, and look forward to the future with creative hope,” Ms Lagi said.
The festival will continue until Saturday, offering a variety of workshops, exciting shows, and remarkable performances.
