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Community urged to support local arts and culture
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Posted on Nov 25 1999
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio made a strong pitch for local arts and culture yesterday during the government’s annual awards presentation honoring artists, student and individuals in the CNMI.
“I want to assure you all that this administration will continue to support the arts and humanities,” he said in his speech at the 15th Annual Governor’s Arts and 3rd Annual Humanities Awards.
Close to 100 honorees, their families and government officials attended the two-hour awarding ceremony held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
Organized by the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and Commonwealth Council for the Humanities, the event recognized exceptional artists this year and in previous years since its inception in 1985.
Among outstanding honorees this year were singer Kevin T. Atalig in the performing arts, Francisca Celis for traditional crafts-making, Kuniyoshi Ukita for visual arts and Scott Russell for literary.
Rep. Ana S. Teregeyo was also given recognition as 1999 Supporter of the Arts, along with Lino Olopai of the Aging Office, Marianas Visitors Authority, American Memorial Park and Spectrum Electric.
In the humanities, Russell and Don A. Farrell were honored for contributions to preserving history of the Northern Marianas, while master navigator Dr. Pius Mau Piailug was given an award for preserving traditional Carolinian navigation.
In his keynote address, the governor said he was pleased to see participation of a lot of students in the arts, especially those from Rota and Tinian who flew in to attend the ceremony.
“I urge parents and teachers to continue nurturing their skills so that they can pass on their knowledge to other students,” said Mr. Tenorio.
Gus Kaipat, chair of the Board of Directors for CCAC, underscored the significance of the awards in promoting arts and humanities in the community.
“It will help in a lot of ways in preserving our history and culture,” he said.
