PNG gears up for the festival of Arts in Guam

A Press Conference was held today by the PNG Organizing Committee of the 2016 12th Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam, to convene the launching of the festival on the 13th of this month. 

The festival is held every 4 years and the next one will be held next year in Guam from the 22nd of May to the 4th of June.

Papua New Guinea is one of the 27 Pacific island countries and territories that will participate in the festival which expects over 3000 participants from all over the pacific. 

The idea of the festival was initiated in 1972 by the Fijian government to address the rapid erosion of its traditions and culture and has over the years seen the participation of the Pacific Countries. 

Formerly known as the South Pacific Art Festival, the event has changed its name to Pacific Arts Festival to cater for the inclusion of the other pacific island nations and territories. 

There to speak to the press was the Acting Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission (NCC) and the chairman of the 12th Pacific Art Festival -PNG Organizing Committee Dr Jacob Simet. Dr Simet in his speech said that about 170 participants from PNG will be part of the festival in Guam and apart from showcasing and demonstration our arts and culture NCC hopes that the participants will learn to appreciate the uniqueness and importance of their cultural heritage.

The committee will be hosting a corporate dinner at the Dynasty Restaurant on the 13th of November to raise funds for the festival and a proposal of K2 million has already been submitted to the Government requesting funding for this cause.