After a thorough recruitment process, the Fiji Museum has appointed six Fijian interns to digitize its collection of approximately 10,000 objects. This initiative is supported by an Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation grant from the U.S. Embassy in Fiji, amounting to FJD $457,000 (USD $202,000), awarded in 2021. The project faced delays due to COVID-19 and museum renovations.
The necessary workspace and equipment are now ready, allowing the museum to begin digital documentation of its collection. This effort aims to make the collections accessible online globally and connect Fiji’s diverse communities.
Andy Lowe, CEO of the Fiji Museum, expressed gratitude for the support from the U.S. Embassy: “The Fiji Museum sincerely appreciates the support of the U.S. Embassy and looks forward to the project moving ahead at pace now. This is going to make a huge difference to current and future generations accessibility to the cultural heritage of Fiji.”
U.S. Ambassador Marie C. Damour highlighted the project's significance: “Through this project, we’re not just documenting Fiji’s past—we’re empowering young people to tell that story to the world. These interns are helping to build a more innovative, connected, and forward-looking future for the Fiji Museum.” She also emphasized that “The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) is one of the U.S. government’s leading tools for cultural diplomacy."
The work is expected to be completed by early 2026.