By MIRIAM MALAWA
ULLI Beier, the creative arts hub at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), serves as the heart of artistic expression and innovation for creative arts students.
On Sunday, October 6th, the building came alive with the launch of a creative journey marking the start of final-year projects for fourth-year creative arts students.
Beginning Monday, these talented students will showcase their work through art exhibitions, recitals, and theater performances as part of their graduation requirements.
This creative journey represents the conclusion of years of dedication and skill-building across various art forms and marks a significant milestone for the students.
Despite numerous challenges, particularly the lack of infrastructure development and funding, the Creative Arts strand continues to persevere. The students’ exhibitions and performances reflect not only their individual talents but also the resilience and passion driving their ambitions.
Over the years, the Creative Arts program at UPNG has overcome many obstacles. The pressing need for improved facilities and resources has been a constant struggle, yet the program consistently produces a strong group of graduates who contribute to the country’s growing and largely untapped creative industry.
Strand Leader Dr. Philemon Yalamu, in his welcoming address, emphasized the urgent need for improved facilities while praising the commitment of staff and students to make things work despite the challenges.
“It’s no longer that picture-perfect environment, but we make it work. Whether we disagree on space or reluctantly share equipment, we know repairs require funds. The allocated budgets cannot cover all our needs, so we dig deeper into our pockets, and sometimes students also have to pay for their learning materials,” he said.
Deputy Dean Academic of the School of Social Sciences, Dr. Dorah Kuir-Aiyus, also congratulated the hardworking staff and students for their tremendous efforts in organizing the event.
She highlighted the importance of perseverance in overcoming challenges.
“We face obstacles every year, but we continue to move forward because of the dedication of our students and staff,” she noted.
The final-year projects offer a diverse range of artistic expressions, from captivating paintings and sculptures to dramatic theatrical performances.
These exhibitions and recitals are not only a testament to the students’ hard work but also a glimpse into the future of Papua New Guinea’s creative industry. Many students are eager to take their craft beyond the university and contribute to the country’s broader cultural landscape.
The exhibitions and performances, which run until Friday, are open to the public, providing an opportunity for the community to witness the exceptional work of these emerging artists and performers.
