MOA is delighted to welcome Mitiana Arbon, as the Museum’s new Curator, Pacific. He will also serve as the Ceramics Collection Program Coordinator.
Mitiana holds degrees in arts (anthropology and art theory) and Pacific studies (museum studies) from the Australian National University (ANU). Prior to joining MOA, Mitiana was the Pacific curator at the Übersee-Museum in Breman, Germany, and worked as an archivist and digital Officer for the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau in Canberra, Australia.
He has a wide range of creative and personal interests in the Pacific region that stem from his academic engagement with the Pacific and his Sāmoan family from the little known and much-loved village of Tafua tai, Savai’i.
“Mitiana brings an extraordinary combination of scholarly insight, curatorial experience and deep personal connection to the Pacific,” says MOA Director Susan Rowley. “His thoughtful, community-focused approach will enrich MOA’s work and help foster meaningful relationships across the region. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Mitiana has a keen interest in academic blogging and was a former subeditor for the Monsoon Project Blog and a research officer for the DevPolicy Blog. He has also lectured and tutored into the ANU Pacific Studies programme (2018–2021). Mitiana was the 2019 recipient of the Wansolwarra Art Writers’ Program (UNSW Galleries and 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art), and the 2017 recipient of the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art Emerging Art Writers’ Program.
At MOA, Mitiana is responsible for curating the Pacific collections and coordinating the annual Ceramics Artist-in-Residence Program. He collaborates with communities, artists and scholars to develop exhibitions and programs that reflect the cultural diversity and depth of the Pacific. With strong personal ties to Sāmoa, Mitiana brings a unique community-engaged approach to his curatorial work at MOA.
Banner image: (l-r) Vula Vakarau and Mitiana Arbon at a MOA community event. Photo courtesy of Mitian Arbon.