By PAUL OEKA
THE Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officially handed over newly improved digitalized equipment for the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) in Port Moresby on Thursday, March 13.
The equipment upgrade was headed by JICA engineers and supported by the department of national planning in close cooperation with the NMAG Board of Trustees and senior management.
The project involved the extensive development of the museum’s technological equipment and display screens to digitalize and document Papua New Guinea’s cultural significance.
Speaking at the official event, representative for JICA Ms Tomoko Ayukawa, acknowledged the importance of communicating cultural knowledge and educating the public.
“The digitalization of the NMAG aims to preserve arts and craft using digital equipment.
“This technology will now see arts and crafts and important analog materials preserved and used to enhance PNG’s historical and cultural education,” Ayukawa said.
She added that the Museum is a monument to PNG’s rich cultural heritage, and importantly, the technology will considerably improve the public’s access to the country’s history and stunning collection of artefacts.
Acting director for NMAG Alois Kuaso, acknowledged JICA in helping the museum’s transition in combining culture with technology and said the development will definitely change the experience that visitors will have at the museum.
“With these upgrades we are pleased to see the museum’s equipment brought into the modern era with JICA’s support. The museum is an important part of our government and preserves the country’s history and traditions. This support will enhance our capacity to digitalize our archived materials in this modern era,” Kuaso said.
“This now ensures that NMAG remains a source of national pride for Papua New Guineans as the country’s leading cultural institution, preserving and protecting our nation’s rich culture and heritage.”
Meanwhile, the NMAG also identified that human capacity was important to use the equipment properly and selected appropriate staff that underwent training to handle the equipment.
These selected staff were each presented with certificates to mark the completion of their training at the event.
Completed ahead of PNG’s 50th independence the museum digitalization will become a must-see attraction for local and international visitors, and a major asset of PNG’s growing tourism industry.
