Oceanic Art Society
Promoting the understanding and appreciation of Oceanic art.
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XIII OAS Forum in Canberra
Oceanic Art Society XIII Forum – Papua New Guinea Art: Past, Present & Future
Journey to Canberra and join us for the XIII Oceanic Art Society Forum on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 November 2025.
Day 1 – Fairfax Auditorium, National Gallery of Australia – Friday 14 November
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country – Jim Elmslie, President Oceanic Art Society
Michael Mel – Papua New Guinea Art: Past, Present, Future
Anna Edmundson – Living Archives – Celebrating 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s Independence
Book Launch – Living Art: Papua New Guinea by Susan Cochrane – by Michael Mel
Eric Kjellgren – Country of A Thousand Faces: The Human Form in the Arts of Papua New Guinea
Chris Boylan & Caroline Sherman – The Bigger Picture: Local adaptations to global influences in contemporary PNG arts
Panel discussion – Evolution of PNG contemporary art – Deveni Temu at Independence / Lesley Wengembo today
Lani Auvita Scott – The Living Thread: Cultural Continuity for the Next Generation
Concluding remarks – Jim Elmslie, President Oceanic Art Society
Day 2 – Saturday 15 November
Join a tour of 1975 at the National Library of Australia with curator Guy Hansen at 10.30 am..
Explore highlights of the Bilong Papua New Guinea exhibition with exhibition co-curator and former Pacific Arts Curator Danielle Toua, now also researching the curation of Pacific art and art objects in Australian national cultural institutions.
Hear Pacific Arts Curator Crispin Howarth present highlights of the Bilong Papua New Guinea exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.
Drop into the National Archives of Australia to see some exhibits celebrating 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence.
Let us make sure that we have a seat for you – please register for free today.
Oceanic Art Society XIII Forum Dinner
Join with other lovers of Oceanic Art for a convivial and tasty meal at Kingston’s La Rustica restaurant by the lake.
Chat with the speakers from the Oceanic Art Society Forum. Share memories and your interests in Oceanic Art.
Enjoy the excitement of the live draw of the Oceanic Art Society raffle.
Payment of $95 will ensure you enjoy a full dinner at the acclaimed La Rustica restaurant.
Alcoholic drinks are not included in the ticket price and can be purchased at the bar.
Oceanic Art Society XIII Forum Raffle
Help offset the costs of hosting this free Oceanic Art Society Annual Forum. The Oceanic Art Society is a voluntary, not-for-profit Association supporting Oceanic arts. This raffle will help offset the travel costs of guest speakers, and the costs associated with hosting the Forum. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
First Prize is a Phantom Shield from Waghi Valley, in New Guinea Highlands.
Second Prize is the recently published SEA Art: South East Asian Art
Third Prize is a framed artwork by John Suine.