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$40K allocated for arts festival
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Posted on Oct 13 2000
Local artists and performers scheduled to leave for New Caledonia for an arts festival this month received $40,000 yesterday from the government after their fundraising efforts failed to reach the target.
The money will cover shortfall in the $100,000 charter fee charged by Continental Micronesia to fly close to 60 participants from the CNMI to the 8th Annual Festival of Pacific Arts in the capital city of Noumea.
They have raised $60,000 for the event through fundraisers held in past few weeks, but organizers sought assistance from Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and lawmakers to step up to the plate as the charter fee has to be paid this week.
The governor said the $40,000 will come from the FY 2001 budget which the Legislature has agreed to do to be able to appropriate the money.
The CNMI delegation leaves for New Caledonia on Oct. 21 to join other artists and performers from 27 countries in the Pacific region for the 18-day festival.
Earlier, some participants have expressed dismay over lack of support from local leaders in enhancing arts and culture on the islands.
