Port Moresby Nature Park will be hosting its inaugural cultural day on Saturday, September 3.
The event will be hosted in partnership with the National Cultural Commission, the National Museum and Art Gallery and the National Agricultural and Research Institute.
This will be the first time these organisations have all come together to showcase the connection of Papua New Guinean culture with plants and animals, whilst highlighting the diversity of cultures in PNG and the role that traditional cultural practices have and can play in species conservation.
On notification of the event, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tobias Kulang, said he was happy to see these organisations coming together and looked forward to seeing the successful collaboration on the day.
The event will be completely unique in its approach to other cultural celebrations with the focus on learning and the development of a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity.
It will include a number of interactive displays including traditional weaving, fire making, live carving demonstrations, traditional games and activities and regional food tasting, amongst other scheduled events.
“Port Moresby Nature Park encourages all Moresby residents to attend, particularly those with children who, due to living a modern city life, may have lost connection with traditional culture or those who wish to develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of cultures across the country,” the Park said in a statement.
Separate to the public day, Sept 3, the Nature Park will also be running a School’s Cultural Week program from Sept 6-9, its 3rd year of operation.
“Student numbers will be limited so schools are asked to contact the Nature Park as soon as possible to secure places to the event. NCDC Transport will be generously supporting the Park for schools requiring transportation to the event,” the statement read.
“The Park is currently seeking sponsors for this event so interested organisations are encouraged to contact the Nature Park.”
(School children attending the Cultural Week last year, observing carvers from Milne Bay Province. Similar activities will be on display during the cultural day.)