GULF has become the first province to financially align with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) in a strategic effort to preserve and promote the nation’s rich and diverse traditional heritage.
Gulf Provincial Administrator Clement Tare presented a K80,000 cheque to NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda at NCC head office last Friday (July 4) to confirm the partnership .
The contribution represents the Gulf Provincial Government’s commitment towards the completion of the Toare Cultural Centre—a landmark community project based in Toare Village, Gulf Province.
Mr. Kilanda hailed this partnership as a historic first in PNG’s cultural preservation efforts, stating:
He thanked Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and Mr Tare for their firm commitment to culture, adding that this support would ensure the cultural centre’s proper completion, operation, and future cultural programs in the province.
The Toare Cultural Centre, jointly developed by NCC and UNESCO, is part of a long-term strategy to nominate the Toare Mask Culture for inscription under UNESCO’s Urgent Safeguarding List. With the Gulf Provincial Government’s K80,000 commitment now secured—and NCC’s own initial support of K20,000—the project is ready to reach its final milestone with the official opening set for Friday, 11th July 2025, followed by the Toare Mask Festival on 12–13 July.
Mr Tare applauded NCC for its community-based approach, affirming that the Centre will be a beacon of pride for the people of Gulf Province and a powerful tool for youth education and cultural revival.
He assured continued support, pledging further funding for the upcoming Toare Mask Festival and other cultural initiatives.
Mr. Tare emphasized that the Gulf Provincial Government’s commitment reflects a broader vision to place culture at the heart of community development and identity restoration.
This historic partnership between the Gulf Provincial Government, the National Cultural Commission, and UNESCO marks the first cultural development collaboration of its kind in Papua New Guinea, setting a benchmark for other provinces to emulate.
The Toare Cultural Center will be opened on Friday (July 11) to coincide with the annual Toare Mask Festival this weekend.