Culture, an integral part of SPC’s activities

The Secretariat of the Pacific (SPC) headquarters will be one of the main venues for the eighth Festival of Pacific Arts, opening soon in Noumea, New Caledonia.

In its gardens, three minutes walk from the Pacific Village, festival events will take place over six days of celebration. The Pacific Village has been purpose built as the central venue for the Festival on the historic site of the old SPC headquarters in the bay of Anse Vata.

Among the highlights, a spectacular parade at treetop height will feature the work of contemporary Pacific clothes designers. Sculptures using recycled materials will also be displayed.

Live performances, workshops, conferences, food, guided tours, and library services are all on offer. The headquarters will also house the Festival’s media centre. Information on SPC’s work in the region will be made available through displays and presentations.

Since the first Festival of Pacific Arts, held in Suva, Fiji Islands, SPC, through its Cultural Affairs Programme has acted as the Secretariat for the Council of Pacific Arts. Council members include all SPC member countries and territories and Hawai`i, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), and Norfolk Island.

In addition to its involvement in the Festival, SPC’s Cultural Affairs Programme assists its Pacific Island members to establish legal protection of traditional knowledge and artistic expressions of culture. The Programme supports the Pacific Island Museum Association, a major player in the protection and development of the cultural heritage of Pacific Islanders.

“We have an excellent relationship with the Festival organisers and are working closely together to make sure this Festival will be a memorable one,” says Rhonda Griffiths, SPC’s newly-appointed Cultural Affairs Adviser. “At SPC, we firmly believe that cultures, traditions and the arts are integral to development in the Pacific Islands.”

The Festival of Pacific Arts has previously been held in Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Australia, Cook Islands, and Samoa. The next Festival will be held in Palau in 2004.

The next meeting of the Council of Pacific Arts will be held at SPC headquarters on November 3rd and 4th.

Events at SPC

• Thursday, October 26

• Friday, October 27

• Saturday, October 28

• Tuesday, October 31

• Wednesday, November 1

• Thursday, November 2

Visiting hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Beginning at 10:00 am: Festival exhibits

Beginning at 4:00 pm: performances in the central courtyard.

The full programme will be available shortly.