Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania is a ground-breaking Pacific-led exhibition comprising two site-specific commissions by artists Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta, curated by Bougainville-born artist Taloi Havini.

Through story, song, performance, action and activism, it invites you to connect with communities living on the islands and atolls of the Southern Hemisphere and to listen to their demands for greater climate justice.

Heta’s architectural installation The Body of Wainuiātea is designed as a space for exchange and sharing that embodies ritual and ceremony guided by the Māori concept of tikanga. Taumopeau’s work Deep Communion sung in minor (ArchipelaGO, THIS IS NOT A DRILL) is designed to engage you as a visitor; through your movements you become one of the protagonists in a collective ritual, and send an invocation to protect the ocean.

Throughout the project a series of conversations, performances and actions will take place with audiences, and with Pacific communities and sporting teams. 

Opening ceremony and celebration
Thursday 23 January 2025, 6–10pm

Celebrate the opening of Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania with a ceremonial procession at 6pm followed by food and refreshments from 7pm

6–7pm | Welcome to Country by Uncle Charles (Chicka) Madden, followed by a ceremonial procession with Latai Taumoepeau, Brian Fuata, Victoria Hunt, Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta, Tiaki Kerei and Tavake Dancers

7–10pm | Celebration with food and refreshments

Opening weekend
Saturday 25 January 2025, 11am–7pm

Join the Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania program of artist and collaborator talks, activations and choreographed performances followed by a community meal on the Forbes Street Plaza, Woolloomooloo.

11am–12pm | Ocean as Ancestor: Conversation with Latai Taumoepeau, Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta and Taloi Havini

12.30–1pm | Juanita McLauchlan in conversation with Julie Ewington

1–1.30pm | Me'etu'upaki performed by Tavake Dancers

1.30–2.30pm | Latai Taumoepeau, THIS IS NOT A DRILL performance activation

3–4.30pm | Pacific Spatialities: Albert Refiti and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta. Kava ceremony followed by conversation

4.30–5pm | Performance by Tiaki Kerei 

5–7pm | Community meal on Forbes Street Plaza, Woolloomooloo

For more information, visit the Artspace website.