The aim of the Oceanic Art Society is to further the understanding and appreciation of Oceanic art. The focus is on traditional tribal art including contemporary art of the indigenous people of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and Australasia.
Activities
OAS Speaks. Recorded lectures by international speakers and local leading authorities, illustrated talks by field researchers and collectors, film screenings and presentations by curators of art gallery and museum exhibitions.
Quarterly Journal. This illustrated publication features international Oceanic art news, editorial pieces, member articles, book reviews, museum reviews, gallery and auction news, and seminar reports from OAS events. We also publish a free e-Newsletter about local and international events of interest to Oceanic and First nations art enthusiasts.
OAS Forum. A two- or three-day symposium, hosted by major institutions, including seminars, access to collection material not on public display, museum tours and social functions. There have been twelve to date held in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Brisbane. In November 2026, Melbourne will host the fourteenth iteration of this special OAS event.
Sydney Oceanic Art Fair (SOAF). Initiated in 1997, this popular event has since been held in various venues in Sydney. Since 2023, the Art Leven Gallery in Redfern has hosted the popular Fair and a live auction. Many genuine ethnographic rarities and collectibles as well as contemporary works from PNG, the Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia and other countries are on sale.
Other Events and Publications. The Society presents occasional exhibitions , often held jointly with other institutions and drawing on members’ expertise, collection material and passion. Publications include the book “Shields of Melanesia” and exhibition catalogues.
JOIN US. The Society welcomes anyone with an interest in Oceanic art. Our membership is international and includes collectors, academics, artists, students, art dealers and museum professionals.
OAS Committee 2026
Officers
President | Jim Elmslie: [email protected]
Vice-President | Dave Hoey: [email protected]
Treasurer | Judy Robinson: [email protected]
Public Officer | David Welch: [email protected]
Editor | Margaret Cassidy: [email protected]
Secretary | Judy Robinson: [email protected]
Members
Geoff Carey, Emma Lenyszyn, Amelie Jaspart, Warwick Majcher, J.D. Mittmann, , Bill Rathmell, Noelle Rathmell-Stiels.
Advisors
Irene Ashburn, Chris Boylan,, Erwin Kok, Jerry Liew, Paula Latos-Valier, Rita Uechtritz.
Donors
Todd Barlin (Sydney), Mark Blackburn (Honolulu), Chris Boylan (Sydney), Robin Hodgson (Sydney), Doug Mayhew (Paris), David Said (Sydney).
Submissions
OAS actively seeks articles and photographs of interest for the Journal and website and requests your participation.
Please submit to: [email protected]
Opinions in signed articles are those of each author and not necessarily those of the OAS, and spelling variations of some words may be found as they reflect global differences.
OAS acknowledges all Pacific and Aboriginal artists, past and present.