APW in Suva, FIJI: Collaboration with Artists at the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies

Australian Print Workshop was delighted to be invited to work in partnership with the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACP) in Fiji, to develop a workshop program in fine art printmaking.

Located at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies was established in 1997 and provides support for a range of cultural and arts practitioners including a community of visual artists.

Although a vibrant painting and carving culture and practice was well established at the Oceania Centre, engagement in fine art printmaking had been limited by lack of access to professional printmaking equipment and expertise.

Under APW’s advice and guidance, the Oceania Centre purchased a new etching press and associated printmaking equipment.

APW Director Anne Virgo OAM and Senior Printer Martin King travelled to Fiji in May 2012, to assist in the establishment of the printmaking facility at the Oceania Centre and to conduct the inaugural professional printmaking workshop on the University campus.

APW staff worked with ten artists at the Centre during their visit and more than 130 prints were produced during the workshop including linocuts, perspex engravings and monoprints.

These works were later exhibited at the Oceanic Centre Art Gallery; a highly successful exhibition that generated much interest in the work including income from print sales for many of the artists.