Inaugural MSG Arts & Culture Programme Consultations receive positive feedback

Mr. Simione Tuimalega the Arts and Culture Officer MSG Secretariat visited New Caledonia last week conducting consultations with numerous Arts and Culture stakeholders under the leadership of the Deputy Director General Mr. Peter Eafeare.

Consultations with various Arts and Culture stakeholders unveiled some thoughtful ways forward on Melanesian Arts and Culture. It was agreed by all in discussions that this important area is a necessity we need to use wisely and work together as Melanesians for our collective good of Melanesia.

Important deliberations with Mr. Emmanuel Tijouba Director of the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea ended up with recommendations and reminders that culture should not only be for celebrations as seems to be what is happening in this generation, but is something that needs to be an important component of not only sustainable development but economic development as well within the Melanesian Sub-Region.

The agenda for the inaugural Arts and Culture Programme consultations is to meet the cultural focal points in MSG Member States and deliberate on way forward strategies in the implementation of decisions from the first meeting of the Ministers of Arts and Culture and to prepare and confirm a date for the second Ministerial meeting in Papua New Guinea. Consultations will also further discuss the outcomes of the Culture Symposium and 6th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival held in July 2018. Discussions will also begin dialogue towards the preparation of the 7th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival which will be held in Vanuatu in 2022.

Mr. Simione Tuimalega, Arts & Culture Officer, MSG Secretariat commented on the importance of Melanesians moving together toward promoting our rich Art and Culture not only in festivals but in other ways that will encourage and empower our youth to participate and be strong advocates of our traditions in order for our Melanesian Art & Culture to be consistently passed on to future generations.

During consultations, MSG Director General Ambassador Amena Yauvoli was acknowledged and honored by the Political Bureau FLNKS for his leadership and the important work the MSG Secretariat is doing in bringing initiatives like the Sports, Arts and Culture programmes to the Members attentions and in doing so it portrays the true spirit of one Melanesia.

Mr. Tuimalega is traveling as part of the MSG Sports and Arts and Culture team with Mr. Bill Henry, MSG Sports Development Officer and their Team Leader Mr. Peter Eafeare Deputy Director General MSG Secretariat. The team will also hold consultations in Fiji and Papua New Guinea later this month and Solomon Islands next month.