DAY 1 OF MSG ARTS FEST HIGHLIGHTS PEOPLE/ENVIRONMNENT

Dr Jacob Simet, Chairman of Papua New Guinea’s National Cultural Commission emphasised that Melanesian culture is increasingly coming under threat from external influences and the festival is an important avenue of raising cultural awareness for Melanesia’s young generations.

As the festival continues to grow and become internationally recognised, Dr Simet urges all Melanesian elders to lead in preserving and promoting Melanesia’ s cultural values and heritage.

For the Solomon Islands contingent, their participation in Papua New Guinea for the next two weeks is an important part of promoting, preserving and sharing their diverse and unique cultures through arts, music, dance and talents with fellow Melanesians.

Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands contingent is a mixture of elders, young male and female participants each representing their cultural heritages which is expressed through dance, paintings, carvings, handicrafts, songs and music.

This form of preserving and promoting the unique and diverse cultures of the country has been one of the National Government’s key policy areas.

This policy has been translated into action by the development of a national culture policy which is administered by the culture division of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Director of the Culture Division, John Tahinao who accompanied the team said Solomon Islands is rich in culture- if developed, would contribute positively to the nation’s development aspirations.