A weekend of storytelling, art, knowledge and community.
Join us as we celebrate the opening of Our Ocean of Islands, a landmark exhibition bringing together the indigenous knowledges, cultural practices and living traditions of 24 Moana Oceania nations.
Museum entry and corresponding events are FREE during the opening weekend with no bookings required.
Indigenous Knowledge Panel Talanoa
Saturday 15 August, 10.30am - 1pm | Maritime Room
Hear from indigenous knowledge holders representing 14 Moana Oceania nations as they share stories, perspectives and insights into their contributions to Our Ocean of Islands.
Indigenous Knowledge Gallery Talks
Saturday 15 August, 2pm - 4pm | Edmiston Gallery
Join exhibition contributors in the gallery for a series of conversations exploring the stories, cultural knowledge and lived experiences behind Our Ocean of Islands.
Meet the Mai FM street crew
Saturday 15 August, 10am - 2pm | Museum and Eastern Viaduct
Follow the clues hidden throughout the museum to uncover the secret word. Then find the Mai Street Team in or around the museum to enter the draw and be in to win one of 10 awesome prize packs.
Whanāu Make and Create
Saturday 15 August, 10am - 4pm & Sunday 16 August, 10am - 2pm | Museum and Eastern Viaduct
Bring the whole family and enjoy a range of drop-in activities inspired by Our Ocean of Islands. Get creative with Moana Oceania-inspired poetry, find out about the very special geomarkers used in the exhibition and then make your own, or create a woven bird inspired by traditional weaving practices.
Gallery Talk with Artist Brian Robinson
Sunday 16 August, 10.30am - 11am | Edmiston Gallery
Join acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson in the gallery for an informal conversation exploring his work, creative practice and art works that form part of Our Ocean of Islands.
Ancient Knowledge, Contemporary Practice: An Artist Talk with Brian Robinson
Sunday 16 August, 2.30pm - 3.30pm | Learning Space
Join Brian Robinson as he explores the rich history of Torres Strait material culture and its influence on his contemporary arts practice. Drawing on ancestral knowledge, Robinson reflects on the cultural significance of objects such as canoes, masks and ceremonial adornments, and reveals how these enduring stories continue to inspire his distinctive work across printmaking, sculpture, animation and public art.
Explore Our Ocean of Islands
10am - 5pm | Edmiston Gallery
Our Ocean of Islands is a landmark exhibition bringing together the Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices of 24 Moana Oceania island nations. Developed with key knowledge holders from each island nation, the exhibition celebrates diverse Indigenous perspectives and explores the interconnections between peoples, lands, seas and skies.