‘Art Village’ to rise in Susupe

The Department of Public Lands has approved the five-year use of a lot in Susupe that will be the site of a new Art Village showcasing Carolinian and Chamorro crafts.

Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Cecilia T. Celes described the project as a “perfect” way to promote the islands’ local talents.

The Art Village, which will feature Carolinian and Chamorro indigenous crafts in two interconnected huts, is being constructed near the Susupe Civic Center—the venue of this week’s 28th Micronesian Flame Tree Arts Festival.

“The Art Village project was conceptualized two years ago. It is part of the department’s master plan for 2009. However, this did not push through until we got the approval from the DPL. This community project is approved in the Susupe area for five years,” Celes said.

The use of the new site in Susupe is free of charge and is expected to be completed on Thursday, in time for the opening of this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival.

Celes said the Art Village will permanently host the Center for the Performing and Indigenous Arts, CPIA.

After the four-day Flame Tree Arts Festival, Celes said the Art Village will remain open every Saturday from 6am to 12pm.

Local artists are encouraged to use the venue to sell, showcase, and promote their art—visual, performing, crafts, etc.

DCCA has allocated $16,000 as initial funding for the program. The money is from a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.

“The objective is to help local artists by hosting a venue for their crafts and performances without any cost to them. The $16,000 serves as the initial and revolving fund for the project until these artists establish themselves at the village and can afford to pay for a spot at the place,” Celes explained.

She said DCCA may charge between $45 to $50 per station for the center’s use in the future.

Susupe Civic Center also hosts the farmers’ Sabalu Market during weekends.

The inclusion of the Art Village in this year’s Flame Tree Arts Festival celebration is expected to boost the morale of local talents.

Every year, the CNMI Gallery for Arts and Culture on Capital Hill hosts a number of exhibits to help the island’s artists. However, the success of these events are limited due to the site’s remoteness.

In the past, DCCA tried bringing exhibits to the main district of Garapan by having hotels host them but the response has been lukewarm

The government, through the Carolinian Affairs Office, also administers the Chamolinian Village in Garapan. The site is used to host a number of cultural activities.