Saipan Tribune

Friday, May 24, 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

Kiribati, Chuuk delegates to headline Flame Tree Arts Fest

Preparations are in full swing for the 32nd Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, which is set to host delegates from the Republic of Kiribati and Chuuk, organizers announced yesterday.

Parker Y. Yobei, overall festival committee chair, said the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture is excited to welcome visiting artists from the two Pacific islands who have confirmed their participation.

The 32nd Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival will take place this year on April 19 to 21 at the Civic Center Park in Susupe.

Yobei said the Kiribati group is composed mainly of traditional performers while the Chuuk delegation will feature local designers.

“We believe that their involvement will move our festival preparations into high gear,” said Yobei. “We encourage the entire CNMI community to join us in welcoming our guests with the 'Hafa Adai' spirit.”

The Flame Tree Arts Festival is the biggest outdoor arts event in the Northern Marianas. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the islands by exhibiting traditional and contemporary artwork from local and visiting artists and featuring interactive demonstrations.

Free to the public, the three-day festival also features live entertainment through musical and dance performances by solo and group acts and a wide selection of food.

Parker said the festival committee is made up of volunteers: Erica Trinidad for Solicitation and Budget Committee; Remy Buniag, Off-Island Delegates and Hospitality Committee; Gordon Marciano and Glorina Teuira, Program and Entertainment Committee; Publicity Committee; and Darrell Moteisou, Logistics and Enforcement Committee.

Although the festival starts on April 19, the official opening ceremony will be held the following day, April 20, said Angel S. Hocog, executive director of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture

Hocog noted that this year's festivities will be highlighted by the council's continuing theme, 'Be A Part: Promote, Preserve and Perpetuate Your Culture.'

“Expect to be immersed in cultural and artistic experience during the 32nd Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival,” he added.

For more information, visit the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture in Capital Hill next to the post office or call 322-9982 or 83.