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Arts & Culture

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Arts & Culture

West Papuans in Port Moresby Host Family Day

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West Papuan Family Day

Those with West Papuan Heritage, their families and supporters of the Liberation of West Papua, gathered in Port Moresby, on Saturday, for a West Papua Family day.

The day was marked with a walk within the University of Papua New Guinea Campus, with families taking part in the walk, Governor of the National Capital District Powes Parkop who has been a long time supporter for the self determination of West Papua took part in the days activities.

The family day was held at the UPNG Drill Hall and was organized with the support of Governor Powes Parkop, the walk culminated into a session of speeches and a day filled with families and individuals sharing in the Culture and food of their West Papua heritage.

Powes Parkop has his links back to West Papua Indonesia through his grand parents, he said he has been a strong supporter for the Self Determination of West Papua since his high school days.

Papua New Guinea being the closest neighbor to Indonesia and sharing the Border with West Papua, those living in diaspora and have become citizens of Papua New Guinea, always hope the best for their families that still live in Indonesia, and as part of diplomatic talks between the two nations of PNG and Indonesia, most feel that PNG must continue to address issues that affect the people of West Papua.

Governor Parkop says that he is ready to Visit Indonesia once a PNG Delegation is confirmed to Visit.

Indonesia is expected to hold its elections in the coming weeks and most in Indonesia and outside of the region, believe that there should be a boycott of the elections by those indigenous to West Papua.

Related: https://insidepng.com/marape-clears-statement/

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Arts & Culture

Musical Connection

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Wan Solwara

Described as a musical connection across seas, the launching of Wan Solwara is intended to unite people from different cultures.

Wan Solwara (One Ocean) is a collaboration between Indigenous Australians and young Bougainvillean musicians, coming together to celebrate the power of music.

It was conceived in 2022 when the Australian Government invited internationally renowned didgeridoo player, Tjupurru, and his son Jake Fabila, to participant in the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion competition.

The song, and a video which documents the story of the music collaboration, were officially launched by Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Jon Philp.

High Commissioner Philp said the Australia Government is committed to promoting and strengthening cultural linkages between First Nations Peoples in Australia and across Papua New Guinea as part of its Indigenous Diplomacy efforts.

“This collaboration underscores the power of cultural exchange and music to strengthen people to people links and knowledge sharing between First Nations peoples. Indeed, Tjupurru also has a strong connection to PNG, being born in Port Moresby and with family connections in Central and Bougainville,” said Philp.

Along with Tjupurru and Jake, Wan Solwara features 2022 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion contestants Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea.

Supporting artists include acclaimed PNG musician and producer, Richard Mogu, Tsarlayse Iamu and Kawas Band. It was recorded and mixed in Bougainville in 2022 by local sound engineer, Melchior Wagum, with guest producer, Richard Mogu, and mastered and released in Australia in March 2023 by Wantok Musik label.

The artists drew on their cultural heritage, using a combination of traditional and contemporary instrumentation including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by ABG Minister for Community Development, Morris Opeti, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.

President Toroama says music plays an important role in transmitting cultural knowledge from generation to generation.

“Music is an important conduit for conveying important messages of hope and peace. Bougainvilleans have a strong attachment to music through unique, traditional songs and chants, accompanied by bamboo pipes. This is something that Bougainville youth must be proud of and maintain,” said Toroama.

The collaboration was documented by local filmmakers, Bruno Louey and Ishmael Palipal (Createk Multimedia), and produced with Wantok Musik. The track lyrics and video call upon Bougainvilleans to “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” to bring about positive change in their communities.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/ready-for-work-pacific-australia-labour-mobility-palm/

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Arts & Culture

Support towards Goroka Show

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Goroka Show

South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has announced its commitment to supporting the annual Goroka Show.

Aaron Japu, SPB Regional Sales Manager for the Highlands region, expressed the company’s dedication to the Goroka Show, which spans several decades. “SP Brewery has remained a steadfast sponsor of the Goroka Show, and we are honored to continue our support,” said Japu.

“This event is a vital platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”

In line with their commitment to responsible consumption, SP Brewery will set up a dedicated booth at the show.

The booth aims to raise awareness about responsible alcohol consumption and promote safe behaviors among attendees. Showgoers above the legal drinking age of 18 are invited to visit the SP Brewery booth to engage in informative discussions about responsible drinking practices.

Additionally, the SP Lager Coaster Bus promotion will be highlighted at the event.

The Goroka Show, an event of cultural celebrations in Papua New Guinea, will be held from September 15th to 17th at the National Sports Institute in Goroka. Showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region, the event attracts both local residents and visitors from around the world.

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Arts & Culture

Fashion for Peace: Creating designs that foster peace

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Fashion for Peace

FASHION FOR PEACE is the theme for the 2023 PNG Fashion and Design Week.

This year, PNGFDW is working in close collaboration with final-year Art and Design students from the University of Papua New Guinea, promoting greater recognition and opportunities for the youth who graduate from this course into the real world.

The announcement was made by founder of PNG Fashion and Design Week Ltd, Janet Sios, who aims to highlight challenges faced by the students and utilize the fashion industry as the bridge to explore raw PNG talent and help build careers in fashion.

“We went through the Student Representative Council (SRC) and hosted a runway for them on the 29th of June at the University and it has opened up our eyes to the potential of the students that they could tap into such an industry.”

Mrs Sios explained that the creative industry is worth more than five billion in the whole world and Papua New Guinea is yet to reach and utilize its full creative potential.

Sios and her team have in the past eight years led awareness and advocacy campaigns for sustainable growth, addressing challenges such as intellectual property, market access, financing for small businesses and the preservation of PNG’s cultural heritage through fashion design.

“The creative arts students need to be aware of what we are doing in the industry, creating a culture creative industry in Papua New Guinea.”

With a vision to develop a thriving and progressive creative economy in Papua New Guinea, Sios explained that the fashion and design space is very much inclusive and not limited to models and fashion designers.

Theme: Fashion for Peace

“This is not just for models and designers only; jewelers, photographers, videographers and makeup artists can also join this sector and earn an honest living.”

“That is why we continue the work that we have started eight years ago, to bring awareness on how we manage ourselves in bringing this industry forward.”

“Fashion For Peace is a very important serious topic for us”

“Our country is going through a lot; our young people are lost.

“We feel that such a platform can be a powerful tool to bring the messages of positivity.”

“We’ve challenged the designers and models to create designs that reflect the various aspects of peace,” explained Sios.

In accordance with the theme, “Fashion for Peace” UPNG Final-Year Student designer, Enoch Nalong named his ‘collection “Oneness in Nature” which exemplifies the serenity of being one with nature bringing forth a sense of peace.

Enoch is the only male out of seven student designers who will showcase their designs alongside other established and emerging designers.

They are:

  1. Anna Amos – AA Tribal
  2. Wandid Amini Korimbo – Wiska/Niugini Native
  3. Elizabeth Omeri – Denani
  4. Kenny Ng – Kenny PNG
  5. Natasha Tamanabae – Baiwa
  6. Dr Jim Kari – Kari Designs
  7. Elizabeth Wong – ELIZZ
  8. Kathryn Turbarat – JeyMal Designs
  9. Esther Sione – Tehine Designs
  10. Janet Sios/Aunty Faye Collaboration (International designer)
  11. Iki Haangana (International designer)

The PNG Fashion and Design Week show will take place on Saturday (August 19) at the Stanly Hotel in Port Moresby.

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Arts & Culture

Coca Cola PNG Partners PNGFM to support PNG Music

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Coca Cola PNG and PNGFM has announced the continuation of their partnership, in nurturing local music artists through Coke Studio Music Platform and YumiFM PNG Musik Awards.

Coca Cola PNG Marketing Manager Rachel Nainggaian commented on the renewed partnership saying, prioritizing consumer relevance has always been crucial for Coca Cola PNG, and music is an essential aspect of PNG’s culture.

“Music Possesses a unique power to inspire and unite people, making it resonates with our target audience’s growing engagement in music and digital audio,”  

Coca Cola PNG has been supporting PNG music since 2016, through the Coke Studio Platform.

Coke Studio has served as a signature music platform, providing opportunities for legendary, seasoned, and emerging artists to showcase their distinctive musical style, initially introduced as a TV Music Platform.

Coke Studio expanded in 2018 to include higher production quality and integrated collaboration between TV, Radio and digital media through its first Joint Venture with the YUMI FM Musik Awards.

“Music remains at the heart of Coca Cola’s real magic philosophy, and Coca Cola PNG has a long-standing commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of PNG Artists,” Nainggaian said.

On Saturday, PNGFM successfully hosted the 18th YUMI FM PNG Music Awards, with Coca Cola as the Platinum Sponsor.

The event recognizes and appreciates the efforts of PNG Musicians and Artists, under various categories.

The categories include, Best New Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year, Duo / Group of the Year, Producer of the Year, Justin Kili Award, and Listeners Choice of the Year.

PNGFM General Manager Rosemarie ‘Shaz’ Botong was excited about the enhanced partnership with Coca Cola. “With Coca Cola as our official partner, we look forward to providing fans with even better experience, making both Coke Studio and PNG Musik Awards 2023 essential platforms to appreciate local musicians and artists.” Ms Botong said.

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CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS COMMISSIONED TWO MULTI-MILLION KINA COMPLEX

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Performers, Support Staff, and Officers of the National Performing Art Troupe (NPAT) and National Film Institute (NFI) recently witnessed the commissioning of two multi-million-kina building; a Duplex Office building for NPAT and a staff accommodation building for NFI staff.

The new NPAT Double story office complex and NFI Staff accommodation building was officially commissioned by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard earlier this month.

There to witness was National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Konney Samuel, National Cultural Commission (NCC) Executive Director Steven Kilanda and other dignitaries.

When commission the buildings, Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard said, culture is our greatest treasure, and it is our responsibility to preserve, protect, develop, promote and safeguard our indigenous cultures.

“We must continue to support these cultural institutions, as they play a vital role to help preserve, protect, develop, safeguard and promote our cultures by working with people at the community and grassroots level,” The minister said.

National Cultural Commission executive director Steven Kilanda, acknowledge and thanked all stake holders for their continuous support in ensuring these important infrastructures are completed.

“We are also inviting the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and its administration to partner with the Cultural Institutions to help develop and deliver cultural services to the people,” Kilanda said.

NPAT or Formally known as the Raunraun Theatre has been operating out of Eastern Highlands Province for many years.

Director Michael Doa said for forty years, they were operating out of a container office.

“I am now happy that the staff and management of National Performing Art Troupe will be housed in a brand-new double story office complex,” Doa said.

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