In partnership with the International Writing Program at University of Iowa, Liljestrand Foundation launched the Margins of the Sea preview summit in May 2019, which introduced programs that value peace, greater global awareness and environmental stewardship from the perspective of the arts and culture. 

The Ocean In Us: An exploration of Hawaiian and Pacific Island perspectives on climate change through film, visual arts, poetry and dialogue

Vilsoni Hereniko is from Rotuma, Fiji, and is a professor at the University of Hawaii’s Academy for Creative Media. He is also a filmmaker, playwright, and scholar, and a former Director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawai’i as well as the Oceania Center for Arts, Culture, and Pacific Studies at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

Takiora Ingram, born and raised in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, is an environmental activist passionate about the health of our Pacific Ocean, dedicated to increasing the number of Pacific marine protected areas to ensure conservation of coral reefs, endangered marine habitats, address climate change threats, reduce ocean pollution, and advocates for sustainable fisheries and a precautionary approach to deep seabed mining policy.

Meleanna Aluli Meyer, a Mokapu, O’ahu native, is a well-known visual artist, arts educator, documentary filmmaker, author and activist. She is deeply committed to community capacity building and healing through the arts. Meleanna’s work and visual voice are wide ranging. Her art work can be found at the Bishop museum, State Foundation, City & County, Hawai’i Museum and the East- West Center collections.

Mahalo to the Margins of the Sea Preview Summit partners: East-West Center at University of Hawai`i, Halekulani, Honolulu Museum of Art, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at University of Hawai`i, Paiko, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design, and Bintang Beer.