(contenu disponible en anglais uniquement)
The Hawai’i Commission for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (‘Commission’) is pleased to announce the launch of the website for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (13th FestPAC) which can be accessed here: https://www.festpachawaii.org/.
Kalani L. Ka‘anā‘anā, Chair of the Commission, shared that: "Hawai’i is honoured to be hosting the 13th FestPAC over 6 - 16 June 2024, and we look forward to receiving our Pacific sisters and brothers then, to celebrate and showcase Pacific arts and culture after eight long years since the 12th FestPAC in Guam in 2016."
The website, a significant milestone, offers comprehensive details about festival delegations, the event program, and venue information.
Ka‘anā‘anā added, "The Commission is delighted to launch the website for the 13th FestPAC, which we hope will build on the growing excitement and anticipation for this significant event. As more information comes to hand, it will be uploaded onto the website, so keep watching that space."
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the rescheduling of the 13th FestPAC to 2024, and the recent tragic wildfires in Maui, the Commission and the State of Hawai’i remain steadfast in their commitment to hosting a successful festival next year.
Ka‘anā‘anā expressed the Commission's heartfelt support for those impacted by the wildfires, stating, "The 13th FestPAC will honor the courage and resilience of all those impacted by the wildfires."
He extended gratitude on behalf of the Commission to various partners and stakeholders, including the Council of Pacific Arts & Culture, the Honourable Governor of the State of Hawai’i, Governor Josh Green MD, and his wife, First Lady Green, Pacific Ministers for Culture, the Pacific Community, and others for their unwavering support.
Ka‘anā‘anā particularly acknowledged Governor Green's proclamation, solidifying Hawai’i's support for the festival, saying, "Working together, we will make this festival one to remember, and we look forward to seeing the Pacific family join us in full force in Hawai’i in June 2024!"
Dr Stuart Minchin, Director-General of SPC, also shared his thoughts, emphasising SPC's role in being the custodian of the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture.
"SPC is honoured to be working closely with the Commission, the State of Hawai’i, the Council of Pacific Arts & Culture, SPC members, and the broader Pacific family to convene the 13th edition of the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders."
Acknowledging Hawai’i's brave decision to proceed with the festival in June 2024, despite the recent tragedy in Maui, Dr Minchin noted, "I know the festival will honor the people of Maui in the appropriate way."
About 13th FestPAC:
The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, bringing together artists, cultural practitioners, scholars, officials, and the general public from across the Pacific Islands and beyond. The 13th FestPAC is scheduled to take place in Hawai’i from 6-16 June 2024, showcasing the rich diversity of Pacific arts and culture.
Media Contacts:
Kalpana Nizarat, Communications Officer, HRSD Division, SPC | Email: [email protected]
For general media enquiries, please contact [email protected]
About SPC:
The Pacific Community has been supporting sustainable development in the Pacific, through science, knowledge and innovation since 1947. It is the principal intergovernmental organisation in the region, owned and governed by its 27 member countries and territories. www.spc.int
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