"Generating Oceania" is a transformative initiative to amplify the values of Oceania's cultural legacy here in Southern California. Inspired by the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) theme "Regenerating Oceania," we aim to create a lasting impact in Southern California?s non-profit space through art, community gatherings, and merchandise that brings our story to life.

By collaborating with artists and community leaders, we are launching exclusive, limited-edition merchandise collections, each representing one of the six core values we've identified from FestPAC: Care, Unity, Joy, Respect, Solidarity, and Love. These values are at the heart of our campaign, guiding our commitment to strengthening the Oceania diaspora and ensuring that our heritage thrives for future generations.

This initiative not only promotes cultural pride but also serves as a platform for change. We are using art and merchandise to connect, elevate, and inspire our community while supporting the sustainability of our organizational efforts. Each piece tells a story, each value ignites action, and together we are Generating Oceania for the generations to come.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Oceania?where culture, creativity, and community converge to create a promising future.

Follow us on Instagram at @socalpicrt or our website at socalpicrt.org

Kristian Fanene Schmidt (he/him) was born and raised in Porirua, Aotearoa while both his parents hail from Samoa. As a Fulbright scholar with degrees in Law, Education and Arts (Pacific Studies) and over 20 years of community service to inform his work as a writer, host, and consultant, Krit has partnered with the likes of Paramount, Disney, Amazon, Ubisoft, Netflix, and LucasFilm, sharing his expertise on representation, LGBTQIA+ issues, and the impacts of colonization throughout the Pacific. He is the Executive Producer of the podcast Island Fever and Founder of the Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK); an organization committed to redefining, expanding, and honoring the richness of Pasifika experiences.

Email: [email protected]

IG: @whatwouldkritdo

As soon as I chose Love as my focus, it felt like everything fell into place in just a matter of moments. I knew two things right away - that I wanted to pay tribute to my Mum and that I wanted it purple. Why? Because it?s the colour my heart has always been drawn to and because my mother is my first and favourite understanding of what love is.

Otila is my mother?s birth name which is why I wanted O-T-I-L-A and L-O-V-E in plain sight for our limited edition merch. My artistic talents don?t quite extend to graphic design or illustration so I wasn?t sure what any visual representations would look like beyond that. Then it clicked! Ask Shar Tui?asoa AKA Punky Aloha!

For years, I?ve had the pleasure of experiencing Shar?s love and light through her work, her advocacy, and best of all, her friendship. I?m very grateful to feature a modified version of her piece ?Mama?s Day? (instead of all the beautiful adornments sparkling across her hair in the original, Mama now has a single yellow flower in her ear which mirrors how my Mum looked during the filming of my short).

It?s also worth noting that Shar?s artwork was on official promotional materials for FestPAC 2024 which is where Generating Oceania first drew its inspiration.