Celebrating the deep cultural connections between Australia and our Pacific partners

 

A vibrant program of cultural collaborations, performances and exchanges across the Pacific region

Darwin Festival: Australian and Pacific Celebration

Explore the program of activities taking place in Australia and across the Pacific

Bundjalung, Innigai and South Sea Islander Georgia Corowa takes centre stage at Between the Tides Festival in Airlie Beach, Queensland

Samoa hosts internationally-acclaimed musician William Barton

Celebrating the deep cultural connections between Australia and our Pacific partners

Australia is delivering a vibrant program of cultural collaborations across the Pacific region from June to December 2026, to celebrate the deep connections between Australia and Pacific island countries.

A series of arts and cultural performances, collaborations and exchanges will take place as part of the Australian Government’s public diplomacy initiative -  Australia now.

Australia now: Pacific edition  will celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our region and forge deeper connections grounded in mutual respect and shared heritage.

Activities will be centred around three key themes: celebrating Pacific voices and partnerships; First Nations connections; and the shared challenge of climate change.

Collaborative initiatives such as joint performances, residencies, festivals, workshops, and cultural heritage and preservation projects will build stronger partnerships.

Explore the program

 

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12 August 2026

Samoa hosts internally-acclaimed musician William Barton

Australian and Samoan artists, musicians and communities came together from 21 July to 1 August for Breath of Country, Breath of Ocean, a cultural exchange presented by the Australian High Commission in Samoa and Tiapapata Art Centre as part of Australia now: Pacific edition. Internationally acclaimed First Nations musician William Barton, respected Elder and storyteller Aunty Delmae Barton, and Samoan-Australian musician Isaiah B. Brunt joined communities across Samoa for workshops, cultural visits, performances and creative collaborations.

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Past Australia now programs

2025

Australia now Papua New Guinea

Australia now: Papua New Guinea –Yumi Stap Wantaim – Side by Side, Step by Step, was a year-long celebration marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence and honouring the close and enduring partnership between our two nations.

Website

2019

Australia now ASEAN

Australia now ASEAN 2019 built upon the deep and long-standing ties between Australia and ASEAN member countries. 2019’s program focussed on engaging and celebrating the vitality, diversity and capability of youth across Southeast Asia. We were honoured that the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted in 2019.

Website

2018

Australia now Japan

Australia now Japan celebrated Australian innovation, creativity and lifestyle in Japan from April to November 2018. Recognising our strong ties and people-to-people links, Australia now promoted Australia’s creative excellence, diversity and innovation and strengthened networks and collaboration.

Website