Developed in partnership with Pacific Islanders living in Melbourne, its many features include a Solomon Islands war canoe and three large sails painted in traditional and contemporary designs by Pacific Island artists.
Museum Victoria's Pacific Island Advisory Group supplied the name of the exhibition as well as many hours of their time advising on the many aspects of its content.
The soaring walls of the East Superspace provide the majestic ambience for the sails flying above the canoes, thenselves floating below on a sea of subdued light. The sails, representing Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia, are of high artistic quality and celebrate the continuing heritage of Pacific Islands culture and art in Melbourne. Another major feature is a full-size Solomon Islands War Canoe.
Islanders comment on parts of their heritage in canoe construction and lore. Paddles at the ready transport the visitor down the ramp into the sea below. Bailers, canoe decorations, model canoes and a huge map of the Pacific complete the picture of the great ocean.