CONTINGENT TO 5TH MELANESIAN ARTS FESTIVAL REVEALED

The Government has announced Solomon Islands participation at the upcoming fifth Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture, MFAC, in Papua New Guinea.

The Festival’s opening ceremony will be in Port Moresby on June 28, and will run for two weeks ending on July 11.

A total of 168 participants makes up the Solomon Islands contingent.

A Government statement yesterday says the participants will take part in various activities including Artistic Demonstrations and Exhibitions, Literary and Performing Arts, Traditional and Contemporary Dance and Music and Theatre Arts.

They join other cultural groups from Melanesian States across the Pacific at the much anticipated fifth Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture.

Papua New Guinea was nominated to host the Festival during the fourth Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture in New Caledonia in 2010.

Meanwhile, Director of Culture, John Tahinao says preparations are well underway and the local contingent is looking forward to showcasing and share the Solomon Islands Arts and Culture with other Melanesians during the festival.

Mr Tahinao said the Solomon Islands contingent is made up of both old and young participants, which shows the importance of trans-generational transfer of cultural knowledge, from the old to the young generations of Solomon Islands.

He said the transfer of cultural knowledge and practices is an important process for the country in the wake of influences and changes impacting our way of living.

He said the Solomon Islands contingent will promote its identity to the world and at the same time preserve cultural practices as shared with other Melanesian brothers and sisters during the festival.

The Solomon Islands contingent will leave on June 26 on a chartered Solomon Airlines flight direct to Port Moresby.