SECRETARY

SIONE NAPI FRANCIS

Sione is a Tongan Australian born in Narrm (Melbourne) on Boonwurrung Country. As a museum professional, cultural leader, and artist, Sione is committed to serving First Peoples and Pacific First Nations through supporting open dialogues between communities, academics and cultural institutions.

With over 25 years' experience, Sione has expertise in many varied and diverse areas, such as community consultation, collection management, curatorial research, exhibition development and implementation. His professional profile in the museums and galleries sector includes Museums Victoria, ACCA, Monash Museum of Art, and the NGV. Sione has also worked in the private sector for POD Museum and Art services in addition to his own art practice and consultation services.

Sione was a member of Museums Victoria’s Pacific Islands Advisory Group from 1997 to 2001, Brown Roots Arts Collective 2002 to 2003, and served as a member of the Pacific Advisory Group. Sione’s current areas of interest are First Peoples co curating/development models in cross-disciplinary collections across the Pacific region, as well as Indigenous leadership and pathways in today’s museums. A major focus is First Nations representation in the digital/online area, looking at social interaction/connections, guided by principles of respect, authenticity and honesty.