A new literary project launched at the Fiji Museum is being hailed as an important step in strengthening cultural pride, expanding creative opportunities, and inspiring Fijian communities to connect more deeply with their heritage.

The book, titled Poetry and Prose at the Fiji Museum, features the work of 10 local writers from Poetry Shop Fiji, each of whom selected a museum artifact and created a poem or story inspired by it.

While the publication showcases artistic talent, its wider impact lies in how it benefits ordinary Fijians.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, underscored this community benefit.

“The importance of this project is that it is about Fijian poets and Fijian writers, giving them the chance to publish in the country,” she said. 

“They don’t need to write for a foreign audience, they can write for themselves.”

This emphasis on writing for local audiences means Fijians can see their own experiences, values, and histories reflected in published work, something that strengthens cultural identity and encourages more people to write and share their own stories.

Artist Brittany Nawaqatabu, whose piece Threats Across the Sea explores her Chinese-Fijian heritage, said the project encourages individuals to explore their roots and understand the shared histories that make Fiji unique.

By sharing personal stories, she noted, writers help readers from all backgrounds appreciate the diversity within Fiji. Fiji Museum Manager of Experience, Lata Yaqona, said the project helps bring history closer to the people.

“People often think museum objects are anonymous, but they’ve been brought alive through the work showcased here tonight,” she said. 

“We’re really happy to have brought our collectives together and shown the role our museum has in our country.”

By connecting creative writing to historical objects, the project makes cultural learning more accessible for families, students, and communities who may not always engage with museums.

It breathes new life into artifacts, making them relevant and relatable for future generations.

Funded by the New Zealand High Commission, the project also opens new pathways for Fijian artists, helping them gain confidence, build portfolios, and pursue careers in writing and the creative arts.