National Cultural Commission (NCC)

The NCC understands the importance of cultural shows and recently presented a cheque worth K20, 000 to the Goroka show committee to the run the 67th Goroka show from September 15th to the 17th, this year.

NCC Executive Director, Steven Kilanda, said although they are a small agency, its aim to always support as many cultural events as possible.

“We are responsible for the cultural shows and festivals around the country. We have registered around about 97 cultural shows around the country and the Goroka show is the biggest followed by Morobe, Hagen and Enga,” said Kilanda.

Famed for its historical challenges with lawlessness and discord, the lower, middle, and upper Wage communities nestled within the Longap local level government (LLG) are poised to inaugurate their first-ever cultural show in December of the following year.

This remarkable endeavour has been made possible through the instrumental efforts of the National Cultural Commission (NCC), which has tirelessly worked to disseminate cultural services and programs to the grassroots, effectively reconnecting individuals with their rich heritage.

This remote extravaganza, nestled on the border between Enga and East Sepik provinces, unfolded with a vibrant display of indigenous heritage.

Humbled by the presence of Governor Ipatas and the gathering of attendees from neighbouring villages across Sepik and Enga provinces, Mr Kilanda shared NCC's commitment to bolstering the festival annually.

He declared that this event would soon become a fixture in the national cultural events calendar, underscoring NCC's dedication to returning cultural festivals to the grassroots, fostering a sense of ownership among communities.

He said it was now time to affiliate and register their respective groups and festivals with the NCC. Minister Leonard made these remarks during the launching of the Fifteenth Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival on Friday 7^th June.

The event was held recently featuring presentations from NCC and IPNGS staff, as well as esteemed guests.

The highlight of the occasion was the launch of "Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Student Essays," a publication that originated from an essay competition held in 2022. Grade 11 and 12 students from selected schools in Port Moresby participated in the competition by sharing their thoughts on cultural diversity and its significance for Papua New Guinea.

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 project aims to promote the Commission’s mission to preserve, protect, develop, promote, and safeguard the cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, and attract potential donors and sponsors to support the organization.

The NCC was established by the Government in 1994 to facilitate the preservation and protection of traditional cultures of indigenous people of Papua New Guinea. Executive Director Steven Kilanda said that the organization's vision is to preserve, communicate, and celebrate the country's cultural diversity, and promote contemporary arts as a lucrative industry.

Despite political and tribal turbulence in the province, the Enga Cultural Show Chairlady, Magreth Potane, remains committed to the annual event, which is scheduled for August 11th to 13th, 2023.

The show aims to promote cultural diversity and heritage, with 35 international tourists already booked to attend.

The NCC has also donated laptops to the Enga Cultural Educational program to enhance cultural education in the province.

Nambawan Supa Limited (NSL) and the National Cultural Commission (NCC) were pleased with the results of their recent partnership which led to 37 NCC staff receiving their Certificates of Completion for the training.

With the training the NCC staff are now equipped with the valuable skills needed to improve their financial wellbeing whilst they are working and when they retire.

The NCC held a small reception at the National Parliament in the State Function Room for staff, management and board, launching their new Corporate Uniform and logo.

Like every other organization, having a corporate uniform is important as it represents the image and brand for its organization.

NCC Executive Director, Steven Kilanda said that in today’s world people often find it hard to identify staff and members of the public service and it is critical that they be seen and recognized.