Artists and crafts men and women make up a significant percentage in the Small to Medium Enterprise sector.
Despite their contribution to the SME sector, there are no proper markets and education pathways to support their trade.
These were highlighted by Katherine Johnston, owner of Gemini Jewelleries.
Kathy Johnston, 4th generation Papua New Guinean and owner of Gemini Jewelleries, said PNG artists and crafts men and women are gifted with talent and potential to contribute meaningfully to tourism and the economy, if supported well.
Johnston said more efforts are needed to develop a curriculum at the tertiary level for the arts and crafts trade.
“You know the challenges we have is that there is no form of tertiary education or art school…. where they can go and learn the basics to apprenticeship,” she said.
Johnston further stated they have learnt through the business that local artists also have no proper or designated markets to make their businesses lucrative.
She offered suggestions for governors from each province to develop programs and build markets for tourist attraction.
(Loop file pic)