Wednesday 29th July 2026
Artist Salon hosted by Talanoa Arts Forum in American Sāmoa
Talanoa Arts Forum will host a panel discussion featuring the members of the local arts community in American Sāmoa on Wednesday 5th August 2026.
Presented in partnership with the Jean P Haydon Museum in Tutuila Island, the panel discussion entitled ‘Cultural Preservation and Innovation in Action: Bridging Heritage and Contemporary Practice’ explores artistic methods that reinforce cultural preservation and innovation in contemporary practice. It examines how safeguarding traditional knowledge, narratives, and crafts fuels storytelling, education, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, while modern methods and media breathe new life into heritage. Panellists from ethnomusicology, children’s literature, craft-making, performance, and contemporary art share strategies for balancing authenticity with imaginative reinterpretation, fostering credible representation and diverse protagonists, and building cross-cultural partnerships. The discussion spotlights practical tools for sustaining crafts and communities, alongside examples of projects that honour heritage while expanding reach through sustainability and modern media.
Panellists include Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, Kuki Tuiasosopo and Tanuvasa Tau'ili'ili Alpha Maiava (TAF) and moderated by Yuki Kihara (TAF). More panellists to be announced soon.
Additionally, the panel discussion is presented in the context of Fa’atasiga: Artist Salon and provides an opportunity to discuss each other’s practices and to gain insight into the arts community in American Sāmoa.
Talanoa Arts Forum would like to acknowledge the support of GHC Reid and the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, & Humanities.
Panellists profile:
Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka is an environmental advocate, educator, author, and community leader from American Sāmoa. Her publication of anthologies and children's books aims to elevate Pacific stories.
Kuki Tuiasosopo is an ethnomusicologist, music director, and the Fine Arts Department Chairman at the American Sāmoa Community College (ASCC) in Mapusaga. He teaches courses in music, drama, and speech while preserving traditional Sāmoan music culture. Tuiasosopo is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Jean P. Haydon Museum.
Tanuvasa Tau'ili'ili Alpha Maiava is a music composer and filmmaker. Tau’ili’ili recent docuseries entitled Instruments of the Moana (2024) focused on the origin narratives of 8 sound producing instruments from Sāmoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Niue, Solomon Islands and Fiji. Tanuvasa is a co-director of Talanoa Arts Forum.
More panellists to be announced soon.
Moderated by Yuki Kihara, co-director of Talanoa Arts Forum.
Event details:
Fa’atasiga: Artist Salon
Wednesday 5th August 2026 | 5pm – 7pm (4.45pm arrival)
Jean P Haydon Museum, Tutuila Island, American Sāmoa
RSVP: info@talanoaartsforum.ws
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talanoaartsforum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talanoaartsforum/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talanoaartsforum
Partners:
