THE National Cultural Commission (NCC) has announced a K10,000 sponsorship for the Popondetta Arts and Music Festival 2024.
This significant support was revealed by NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda during a press conference at the NCC boardroom in Port Moresby last Friday.
Director Kilanda said that the NCC’s support aligns with its mission to promote culture and local art products in Papua New Guinea.
He noted that while NCC typically supports cultural festivals registered with the commission, the Popondetta Arts and Music Festival, despite being in its inaugural edition last year, has already garnered significant exposure and national publicity.
“We are using cultural events and festivals throughout the country as a platform to drive other development agendas, as well as supporting the government’s long-term goals to develop this country,” Kilanda said.
Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon Belden Namah, was represented by his first secretary, Cedric Kengi, who commended the NCC’s management and leadership. He also expressed the minister’s enthusiasm for future collaborations with NCC.
“While commending Kilanda’s leadership, I’d like to also thank NCC for recognizing and supporting cultural events and their contribution towards marketing and showcasing our culture to a wider audience,” Kengi said.
The Host Organizing Committees of the Popondetta Arts and Music Festival applauded the NCC for its timely support and assured the executive director that the event would be registered as a recognized cultural event and included in the National Cultural Commission’s annual events calendar.
The Popondetta Arts and Music Festival is scheduled to take place from September 15th to 16th, featuring performances from local string bands and artists, as well as three guest musical artists from other provinces in Papua New Guinea.
