Various areas of The Arts can add to the tapestry of a curriculum based study tour to Vanuatu.

Itineraries usually include traditional Melanesian music and dance but there are also opportunities to extend the creative arts experience further.

To experience vibrant indigenous theatre, perhaps a performance by the Wan Smol Bag Theatre. 'Wan Smol Bag' in English is One Small Bag - this is all this fantastic group of performers needs to carry props when visiting schools to perform. The subject matter for plays/performances can be confronting (domestic violence, AIDS etc) but always highly entertaining - they also have a theatre and youth centre (Yut Senta) about five minutes from town.

A visit to the National Museum & Cultural Centre or the private French collection put together by Pere Rodet will give an insight into local carvings, tam-tams from the islands of Malekula and Ambrym, face painting and masks. Across the 83 islands the indigenous art is incredibly diverse. And, of course, carvings are available at the markets to take home as souvenirs.

There are also active expatriate artists. The Diana Tam Gallery opens daily with Diana working in the studio and the Michoutouchkine & Pilioko Foundation is also a working gallery with Ambrym carvers working on tam-tam scultures. Both galleries are free of charge.

Email us for more information on how we can creative arts into an itinerary or for details on an obligation-free Expression of Interest afternoon/evening.

For a comprehensive list of what to see and do, plus some history and quirky personal observations on Vanuatu, visit Vanuatu A to Z.