Art and culture is a pot of gold in PNG

INDEPENDENCE is a time for celebration. And celebrate we did, with the opening of the 3rd National Arts Exhibition hosted by the National Cultural Commission at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby on September 14. Fires burned, high-pitched voices of tribalism, and painted mamas and papas in traditional bilas anchored cultural shows nationwide from September 14 up to Independence Day on September 16.

The varied colors of the country were on display. The kundus and garamuts sounded the echoes of 800 languages in song and dance across the country. Grass skirts swung, hips swayed and warriors chanted: This is our day! Papua New Guinea, we are one.



The art exhibition was exciting. Opening the show, Minister for Arts and Culture Belden Namah reminded guests and artists that PNG is the melting pot of global culture with a 100 tribes and 800 languages. With the Theme; Our Past, Present and Future PNG – Stories of Pre-Independence, Independence and Post-Independence, the paintings caught the attention of visitors and guests alike.

More than 115 artworks from 46 talented PNG artists are on display with focus on people, environment, and life of the past and present-days. Namah, who is the local member for Vanimo-Green MP, in his first official duty as the Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts and Culture declared the 3rd National Arts Exhibition open. He acknowledged guests, stakeholders, development partners, diplomats from Embassies and High Commissions and commended the Board, NCC executive director Steven Enomb Kilanda and his hard-working staff for making this possible.

“This exhibition is a key event leading up to the 50 Independence Anniversary next year. We gather not to only celebrate arts in Papua New Guinea but, to also acknowledge the resilience and the creativity of our local artisans; many of our artists face challenges with limited access to markets often selling their creations at low prices on the streets of Port Moresby and other parts of the country. Namah pinpointed that by recognising these challenges, NCC works diligently to frame the National Cultural Policy 2022-2032.

It emphasizes the importance of finding markets for our artisans both locally and internationally so that their work is valued and appreciated. The exhibition is a testament to our commitment to strengthen the arts and culture in our country and promoting our local talents. “I want to thank National Cultural Commission and the partners and all that contributed to make this event possible.

I believe tourism, art, and culture is the pot of gold in Papua New Guinea and everywhere in the world,” said Namah. Meanwhile, Kilanda thanks and acknowledges the guests, development partners, stakeholders, and all the people behind the scenes for making the event a success. He also stated that next year, the National Cultural Commission is looking forward to hosting the biggest arts exhibition to commemorate the 50th Independence Anniversary.

“I see that our artwork and artists are brilliant. We want to bring art to the next level by giving prominence to the work of the artists and artwork of this country,” said Kilanda. “Our art can market our country in a small way, but the results can be greater.

” Kilanda also stated that NCC is looking forward to staging a national arts conference in the country next year..