The Australian government has commissioned a series of artworks that represent over 50 years of "a deep and enduring partnership" between Australia and Samoa.

In a press release issued on Wednesday evening, the Australian High Commission (A.H.C.) in Apia said the commissioning of the series of artworks is to mark the conclusion of Samoa’s year-long celebrations of its 60th independence anniversary as well as its 61st independence anniversary.

Indigenous Australian artists from Aurukun, the Wik, Wik Way, and Kugu people collaborated with Samoan artists to create artworks that blend their distinctive cultures.  According to the A.H.C. the masterpieces were a testament to the discoveries and insights the artists gained from their collaborative workshop, highlighting similarities in their art forms, including the use of similar materials. Each piece reflects the deep connection between First Nations Australian and Samoan cultures to the land and sea, as well as their shared commitment to conserving their natural heritage for years to come.

The artworks, a gift from the government and the people of Australia to the Government and people of Samoa were presented by Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Samoa, Claire McGeechan, to the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, during a ceremony at the A.H.C. in Apia. 

Giving her remarks, Ms. McGeechan highlighted the importance of art in storytelling and the maintenance of culture for both Samoa and Australia.  

She also mentioned Prime Minister Fiame’s visit to Uluru in March this year, a sacred site for First Nation Australians who consider it a living being. Uluru is also known for its rock art, describing community, animals and journeys. While undated, this rock art could be up to 40,000 years old.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck joined the gathering virtually and said: "Through the collaboration of First Nations Australians and Samoan artists in creating these pieces, we are reminded of the transformative power of working together and the value of cross-cultural exchange. 

"We are pleased to present these artworks to the people of Samoa, not only as a symbol of our deep and enduring friendship but also of our shared responsibility to safeguard natural resources for generations to come.”

 The A.H.C. said Australia is proud to continue its partnership with Samoa and looks forward to further strengthening the relationship in the years to come.

"The Australian High Commission wishes the people of Samoa a joyous 61^st Independence celebration."

In June last year, the A.H.C. hosted a workshop to facilitate collaboration between Indigenous Australian artists from the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre in Aurukun in Queensland Australia, and Samoan artists from Manamea Art Studio in Vaitele, Samoa. The workshop, which was hosted online, was an opportunity for artists to exchange ideas, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of each other's traditions, techniques, and artistic styles.

 Samoans Nikki Mariner and Peseta Lalovai, a painter and master carver respectively, led the team of artists at Manamea Studio in creating both a painting and a carving.  From Aurukun, Indigenous Australian artists Lex Namponan and Keith Wikmunea completed their artwork which also included both a carving and a painting.

Through this exchange of ideas and sharing of techniques, the artists were able to create artwork that captures the essence of both cultures and their shared commitment to their natural heritages.