Renowned Fijian artist and poet Atueta Rabuka, aged 38, is advocating for a fundamental shift in the perception of art within Fiji, highlighting that entrenched stigmas are hindering the growth of new artistic talent among the youth. Rabuka believes that the diminishing interest in pursuing art as a career is a result of systemic deficiencies in support that begin long before students reach higher education.
He argues that for the arts to thrive, significant institutional reforms are necessary to enhance the foundational support for artistic endeavors. “We need schools to take it more seriously; we should start integrating art into the curriculum from a young age,” he asserted. By referencing successful international models where art is a core subject from kindergarten through high school, Rabuka points out the stark contrast to the often marginalized status of the arts in Fiji.
Rabuka notes that a mindset rooted in the 1980s continues to dominate perceptions in many Fijian households, where traditional academic paths are still viewed as the only routes to success. This belief system undervalues art, branding it as a “useless” pursuit with little real-world significance. He argues that if art were held in the same regard as agriculture or other key industries, its true worth would be better recognized.
He emphasizes, “If we view art with the same importance as agriculture, we can begin to appreciate its value.” Rabuka feels that acknowledging the creative sector as a primary industry will reveal its substantial economic potential. Despite the burgeoning global “creative economy,” a career in the arts remains met with skepticism by many Fijians. According to him, universities and government bodies will only acknowledge the importance of the arts when public perceptions undergo a transformation.
Rabuka warns that without moving away from outdated views, Fiji risks lagging behind in an increasingly innovative and imaginative world. His passionate call for a reconsideration of the arts encapsulates a hopeful vision for the future, a future where Fijian creativity is honored and fostered as an essential element of both the nation’s cultural identity and economic vitality.