By LORRAINE WOHI
THE Executive Director for the National Cultural Commission (NCC), Steven Kilanda has appealed to all local cultural groups to invest in the culture and art industry.
Mr Kilanda while officiating the launching of the Samarai-Murua Cultural Events in Port Moresby on Thursday has called on the public to register their cultural groups in order to formally participate in the annual cultural events set by the National Cultural Commission.
“Our focus is to support local cultural centres, mini cultural festivals at the community and village level throughout the country because it is where the real owners of the rich and authentic cultural heritage live.
Minister for Tourism , Arts & Culture and Member for Samarai Murua Isi Henry Leonard with National Cultural Commission Executive Director, Mr Steven Kilanda offically launched the Samarai-Murua cultural events while the four LLG council presidents look on. Photo: PNG Bulletin
“We believe that setting up of cultural festivals in the community and village level will lead to the establishment of community cultural centres where our people can keep their artefacts and other cultural importance,” Mr Kilanda said.
The Samarai-Murua district in Milne Bay has formally registered and launched four of its LLG festival. These cultural events include: Murua Doi & Yam, Giniuba & Kaiheya, Bagi & Tobotobo Mini and the Sailau, Ulna & Hoptomwa Festivals.
Minister for Tourism , Arts & Culture and Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard who was also present during the launching said the aim of the festival programs is to engage and facilitate villagers at their respective LLGS to showcase their arts and culture as this will open doors for tourism in the province.
“We are at the edge of losing our culture and identity and so supporting cultural events like this pays way for the future generation to practise and uphold our cultural practises in any form; lifestyles, singsing, arts and craft.”
The Samarai-Murua cultural events will be organised by the four respective local level government presidents together with assistance from the district and the National Cultural Commission of PNG.
