The Fiji Arts Council is gearing up to host a significant cross-cultural arts collaboration in partnership with renowned Fijian designer, Samson Lee and artists from Hawaii, for the unique “Mu’umu’mu: Blooms of Aloha.”

The event, set to begin on Saturday, July 26, will feature workshops, crafting sessions, and artistic showcases at the council’s headquarters in Suva.

Speaking to The Fiji Times, Fiji Arts Council (FAC) director Maciusela Raitaukala shared the council’s broader vision behind this collaboration, saying it is the organisation’s mandate to represent and support all art forms at the national and international level.

“Fiji Arts Council is responsible for all art forms, from performing arts to fashion, literary, visual, contemporary and even culinary art,” Mr Raitaukala said.

“We work closely with individual artists and arts organisations to promote culture and heritage across the country.”

The collaboration with Samson Lee has been in the planning stage for the past three months, with both parties working to design a platform that brings together Fijian and Hawaiian artists for shared learning and public engagement.

The workshops will be facilitated by visiting Hawaiian artists, including Marah Nui and Pewa Dela Rosa from the Polynesian Cultural Centre’s theatre department in Lā’ie, Hawaii.

“This is about building connections beyond the four-year cycle of the Festival of Pacific Arts.

“We want to encourage consistent regional collaborations that sustain cultural exchange and innovation in the Pacific.”

A first for Fiji

The upcoming event marks a milestone for Fiji’s local arts scene.

“I believe it’s the first time Fijians will experience Hawaiian fashion and art firsthand, at the local level, not just in regional forums,” Mr Raitaukala said.

While regional exchanges have occurred through events like the Festival of Pacific Arts, this is the first time the FAC is co-hosting an international partnership on home soil, featuring both traditional and contemporary arts in a hands-on format.

Mr Raitaukala described this as a strategic move toward making art more visible and accessible to the public.

“Fiji is a multicultural society, and that diversity demands a wider range of artistic expression and experiences. Events like this allow us to explore and celebrate other Pacific cultures while deepening our own appreciation for the heritage we have.”

Council’s challenges

While the upcoming “Mu’umu’mu: Blooms of Aloha” event represents a breakthrough in regional arts collaboration, Mr Raitaukala said bringing such initiatives to life was not without its challenges.

“One of the biggest issues is that art agencies and organissations often work in silos.

“There’s a lot of potential in collaborating more and supporting each other across disciplines.”

He also cited limited funding as a key barrier to expanding programming, particularly when hosting international artists.

The collaboration with Samson Lee and Hawaiian artists is a model for the kind of partnerships the council wants to encourage, where artists from different cultures and disciplines unite around a shared vision. However, sustaining such efforts requires consistent support.

“We have many plans, but the reality is that funding constraints sometimes limit how far we can go.”

Engaging younger generations is another area of concern.

“We’re working hard to interest our youth in both traditional and contemporary art. Especially i-Taukei art and cultural practices.”

However, the council remains optimistic. With a permanent space now provided by the government, the council has a platform from which to host exhibitions, workshops, and community events.

“Before, it was a real challenge to find a consistent space for artists. Now we can finally offer a home for creative expression.”

According to the 2025–2026 National Budget Estimates, the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, which manages the council, has received a $41.2 million allocation, of which approximately $644,434 is earmarked for the FAC.

While discussions are still underway on how the funds will be disbursed, he expressed gratitude.

“The government’s continued support over the council’s 60-year history, along with occasional external donor funding, has made it possible for us to carry out our mission.”

Bridging modern

and traditional arts

A major focus of the “Mu’umu’mu: Blooms of Aloha” event is the revival of the traditional ‘mu’umu’u’ dress, symbolising the fusion of cultural heritage with modern fashion.

He said the council sees this as an opportunity to inspire local artisans, particularly in the fashion and design space.

“Our artists draw heavily from cultural and environmental inspiration. We want this collaboration to serve as a model of how we can Honor tradition while staying creative and forward-thinking.”

By working with artists like Samson Lee, who is known for weaving indigenous identity into contemporary fashion, and hosting workshops with Hawaiian artists, the council hopes to bridge generational and artistic gaps.

“It’s about respecting the past while boldly creating for the future.”

What’s Next: Toward

2026 and beyond

The “Mu’umu’mu” event is just the beginning of what the council envisions as a series of regional artistic exchanges leading up to Fiji’s hosting of the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival in 2026.

“This will be the first time since 2006 that Fiji will host the festival.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for this new generation to experience and contribute to regional cultural exchange.”

Because the event will be held locally, Fiji will be able to showcase a wider range of local talent, including artists and performers from various provinces who may not normally travel abroad due to delegation limits.

“It’s a chance for schoolchildren and the public to truly experience the cultural richness of the Melanesian region.”

The FAC is eager to work with more artists and organisations moving forward. Artists interested in using the council’s space to host shows, workshops, or other events are encouraged to reach out directly.

“The space is open. Anyone can come in, have a chat with us, and see how we can support your vision.”

While refurbishments are scheduled to begin by September, the venue at Lot 310 Victoria Parade in Suva remains available for use in the meantime.