Culture

Addressing a distinguished audience, including future leaders of the country, Kilanda expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss their ideas.

He also highlighted the importance of the occasion, as it marked the launch of the book titled "Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Student Essays," co-published by the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies and the National Cultural Commission.

The local cultural event have held great performances showcasing Gulf’s unique masks through traditional performances over the years. 
At the festival in recognizing the cultural event, Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism, Isi Leonard on behalf of the National Cultural Commission declared the festival as a national event in the annual cultural calendar. 

This was marked by a presentation of certificate to the custodians of the festival with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Gulf Provincial Government and the NCC be made at a later date.

The festival, supported by TotalEnergies PNG, is expected to draw an even larger crowd to the coastal village of Toare in Gulf Province on June 9th and 10th.

Long-time supporters, the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and National Museum and Art Gallery, are partnering with the National Cultural Commission to ensure the success of the event. NCC Executive Director Steven Kilanda welcomed the support from TotalEnergies PNG, noting that it is the first resource company to assist a cultural event in such a significant way.

During the launch of his peoples first ever Samarai-Murua Music, Song and Dance festival, Member for Samarai Murua and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard spoke on the recent increase in cruise ships visiting Papua New Guinea after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Alotau and how it has brought in more tourists.

Minister Leonard sees this as an opportunity to promote culture by engaging with provinces and going rural to showcase genuine cultural experiences.

This is the first sponsorship launch towards the festival and is the third time BSP has assisted. The presentation today had BSP hand-over a cheque of K30, 000 to assist with the festival.

Corporate Sponsorship Manager, Amelia Minoppu, stated that BSP is pleased to join another year round since 2021.

“As you all know culture and tradition plays a big role in our communities and in the Pacific and the values of the communities we operate in. It’s through events like the Hiri Moale festival that our brand identifies the people that we work with,” she stated.

These cultural advocates have shown the world and their home country that culture is indeed the natty part of what makes Papua New Guinea great.

In representing the cultural community, inspiring artists of their own genre spoke briefly of their cultural journey and their deep appreciation for their art form and the recognition it is being accorded.

Musician, producer and songwriter, AK47 formally known as Allen Kedea, spoke at the launch of the National Cultural Policy on Friday, 10^th June.

With over 800 languages, CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Eric Uvovo, said this places PNG in a much better position.

Speaking at the Momase regional consultation workshop, CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Eric Uvovo, said the newly-developed National Cultural Policy 2022-2032 comes at a time when cultures are undergoing changes due to technological advancements.

The policy will ensure the preservation of PNG’s culture while generating much-needed revenue at the same time.

The third Toktok Bilong Strongim Nesen focused on PNG’s cultural history, which can be traced back 60,000 years.

The Development Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Marie Mondu, spoke of how migration, civilisation and mixed marriages water down PNG’s traditional practices.

A professional multimedia artist, Tandoa earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Queensland University of Technology through the Australia Awards Scholarship Program.

In the classroom and online she finds ways to make traditional culture relevant to new audiences.  By incorporating dance, music, and arts from the country’s diverse provinces into the curriculum, she is ensuring the next generation will value their heritage.

It will be held at Odlins Plaza on the waterfront and feature performances by traditional and contemporary Pacific artists.

There will also be traditional pacific food, including a Pacific Island Cook-Off and a range of family-friendly activities.

The festival will be MCed by Tofiga Fepulea'i a former member of the comedy duo the Laughing Samoans.

The Wellington council says it is an opportunity for all Pacific people to celebrate and share their knowledge, values and beliefs.

The Wellington Pasifika Festival runs from 12 noon until 6pm.