The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Ratu Iloilo Public Art Gallery at Raiwai Campus, Suva, reopens today after it was closed in 2011.

The chief guest will be Adi Salaseini Kavunono, the wife of the late President and Tui Vuda, Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda.

Ratu Iloilo opened the gallery in 2003 as the Fijian President. He initiated the establishment of the FNU School of Creative Arts and Design at Raiwai Campus.

FNU acting vice-chancellor Professor Ian Rouse said the gallery would be one of the biggest galleries in Suva.

“The gallery had been closed for the past six years and FNU considered Adi Kavunono as the chief guest in honour of her late husband,” Prof Rouse said.

“Our vision is to make this an art gallery for artists here in Suva and in Fiji so we can have people who can come and have exhibitions. Young people and young artists can present their works in the gallery.

“I would love to have Fiji National University as the university of the people and the community.

“My dream is to have a place for the community where it’s tobacco-free and alcohol-free and where you can come and share your interest in art and live music.

“At Raiwai Campus, we have all the things which are important for Pacific culture. One of the things that I have enjoyed as the Dean of College of Medicine is the importance of the creative cultures for Pacific people and that’s music, dance, singing and poetry.

“These are very important part of Pacific culture and if we have a society where those get neglected, a key part of Pacific people gets lost,” he said.

FNU project manager Peter Sipeli said the gallery would exhibit collection of works developed by FNU students over the years.

“We have been trying to establish a global type of gallery and this is what we will be showcasing today,” he said.

“Too often the price tags of artwork are usually bigger than the artists’ name. We want to be able to talk about what their work is and talk about what inspires them as an artist.”

Graphic Design student Akosita Waqairawai said the gallery would help showcase students’ skills and talents.

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