Government directors of culture and arts are upbeat about the potential growth of arts in the Pacific, as a form of cultural expression, way of life and source of job creation, tourism and economic growth.
Also among the outcomes of the 27th Council of Pacific Arts and Culture meeting, held yesterday in Guam, was the unanimous endorsement of Fiji’s expression of interest to host the Festival of Pacific Arts in 2024.
The outcomes of the Council meeting – a gathering of government directors of culture and arts convened by the Pacific Community (SPC) – are being put forward today at the 3rd Pacific Ministers of Culture Meeting, also taking place in Guam.
The Council meeting was officially opened by Guam’s Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio, who emphasised the importance of the Council’s efforts to promote the indigenous traditions of our Pacific nations.
“It’s important work that must be continued because what you do here assists in the perpetuation of some of the most beautiful and unique ways of life the world has ever known,” Lt. Governor Tenorio said.
The Council discussions included: preparations for the 13th and 14th Festivals of Pacific Arts, progress in cultural development in the region, including on enhancing the cultural industries; a presentation of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), and the mid-term review of the Regional Cultural Strategy: Investing in Pacific Cultures 2010-2020.
The participants congratulated and thanked Guam for hosting the current Festival of Pacific Arts, and thanked Hawaii for the substantial preparation already under way for the 13th Festival in Hawaii in 2020.
The Council also discussed the potential for growth in the relatively new sector of Pacific film, alongside more established forms of cultural expression, and agreed that SPC should continue progressing, with its member countries, the development of the film sector in the region.
Today the Ministers are considering recommendations from the Council to: reconvene a Working Group on the Regional Cultural Strategy; consider ratification of the 2005 UNESCO Convention for the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expression; support the capacity building of human resources in the culture sector, including support for professional qualifications; and enhancement of cultural statistics capacity.
Media contacts:
Jessie McComb, SPC Culture Officier
Luisa Mavoa, SPC Project Administrator, [email protected] +671 487-9068
