The blue continent: Online platform launch event

An extraordinary meeting of minds – Event in English language

Join us to mark the conclusion of a journey by the Übersee-Museum Bremen and the National University of Samoa to bring stories from the Pacific region to life.

What does a museum know about the objects in its collections? There are many connections between communities and museum objects that aren’t reflected within our current systems of classifying knowledge. The Blue Continent is an online platform that brings some of these connections to life.

It is a platform for dialogue, perspectives and insights on the Pacific Islands – from conversations on the purpose of museum collections, to original artworks exploring Pacific ancestry, and cross-cultural scientific collaborations. With speakers from the Übersee-Museum, National University of Samoa, National Library of New Zealand as well as independent writers and artists from across the world, we invite you to this 2.5 hour virtual event to listen to stories that will spark your curiosity. Join us to hear stories from this journey of sharing, learning and unlearning perspectives. The event will be held in English.

8:00 a.m. CET – Opening and Welcome: Science and Culture Coming Together

Wiebke Ahrndt (Übersee-Museum Bremen) and Patila Amosa (National University of Samoa) share their vision of bringing university and museum together to create a unique cross-sector partnership, which is the beating heart of the Blue Continent.

8:20 a.m. CET – Transnational collaboration projects

Dionne Fonoti (National University of Samoa), Tim Kong (National Library of New Zealand) and Etta Grotrian (Übersee-Museum Bremen): The “Measina-Show-and-Tell” exchange has inspired ideas, events and exhibitions at both institutions. We explore how digital conversations about material culture can result in transnational collaboration projects.

8:40 a.m. CET – Citizen Science in Samoa

Michael Stiller (Übersee-Museum Bremen), Kush Sethi, Taema Imo (National University of Samoa): Colleagues at the Übersee-Museum and National University Samoa share their reflections of setting up and running a fresh water conservation project that combines scientific knowledge and cultural heritage.

– 10 minute break –

9:10 a.m. CET – Artistic Performance

Natasha Ratuva (to be confirmed)

9:25 a.m. CET – The Voices Behind the Platform Q and A

Natasha Ratuva, Hinemoana Baker, Patrick Thomsen, Faiza Sultan Khan (to be confirmed): Meet some of the voices behind the platform who share their reflections on creating and editing work that is inspired by museum collections.

10:00 a.m. – Where next? (10 minutes)

“The Blue Continent” permanent exhibition at the Übersee-Museum Bremen