The new Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Honourable Belden Namah officially opened the 3rd National Arts Exhibition hosted by the National Cultural Commission at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby on 14th September 2024.

With the Theme; Our Past, Present and Future PNG (Stories of Pre-Independence, Independence and Post Independence. More than 115 art works from 46 talented Papua New Guinea artists from all over tare on display with art works that depicts the people, environment and life of the past and present-day Papua New Guinea.

Hon. Belden Namah who is the local member for Vanimo-Green MP, in its first official duty as the Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts and Culture declared the 3rd National Arts Exhibition opened.

The Minister, while acknowledging guests, stakeholders, development partners, diplomats from Embassies and High Commissions, commended the Board, NCC executive director Steven Enomb Kilanda, and his hard-working staff for making this possible.

“This exhibition is a key event leading up to the 50 Independence Anniversary next year. We gather not to only celebrate arts in Papua New Guinea but, to also acknowledge the resilience and the creativity of our local artisans; many of our artisans’ face challenges with limited access to markets often selling their creation at low prices on the streets of Port Moresby and other parts of the country.

Hon. Belden Namah pinpointed that by recognizing these challenges, NCC works diligently to frame the National Cultural Policy 2022-2032. It emphasizes the importance of finding markets for our artisans both locally and internationally so that their work is valued and appreciated.”

The exhibition is a testament to our commitment to strengthen the arts and culture in our country and promote our local talents.
He said, “I want to thank National Cultural Commission and the partners and all that contributed to make this event possible.”

“I believe tourism, art, and culture is the port of Gold in Papua New Guinea and everywhere in the world,” said Hon. Belden Namah.
Meanwhile, the National Cultural Commission Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda thank and acknowledges the invited guests, development partners, stakeholders, and all the people behind the scenes for making the event a success.

He also stated that next year, National Cultural Commission is looking forward to hosting the biggest arts exhibition to commemorate the 50th Independence Anniversary.
“I see that our artwork and artists are brilliant. We want to bring art to the next level by giving prominence to the work of the artists and artwork of this country,” said Mr. Kilanda.

“Our art can market our country in a small way, but the results can be greater.”
Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda also stated that NCC is looking forward to stage a national arts conference in the country next year.

The first National Arts Exhibition was held in Port Moresby 2022, and the second was staged in Cairns, Australia last year and the third National Arts Exhibition in currently held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby from the 14th-18thSeptember 2024.