MILNE BAY AND NATIONAL CULTURAL COMMISSION SIGN LANDMARK AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
The future of cultural development in Milne Bay Province received a significant boost on the 21st of June 2026, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between National Cultural Commission under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Milne Bay Provincial Government in Alotau.
The MoU signed by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Norman Namah, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley, MP, and the Executive Director of National Cultural Commission Steven Enomb Kilanda.
This MoU establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at preserving, promoting, and developing arts and culture throughout the province.
Minister Namah said the partnership demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening cultural programs and institutions in Milne Bay Province.
“We sign this MoU to strengthen arts and culture work in the province. It is important that we support the Milne Bay Provincial Government to host the National Kanu and Kundu Festival here in Alotau,” said Namah.
A key component of the agreement is the continued support for the National Kanu and Kundu Festival, one of Papua New Guinea’s four regional thematic cultural festivals. Hosted on behalf of the Southern Region, the festival celebrates the rich maritime heritage, traditions, and cultural identity of Milne Bay Province.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the festival, describing it as an important platform to showcase the unique cultural heritage of the province to both national and international audiences.
“Kanu and Kundu represent the maritime heritage and identity of Milne Bay, and this festival will showcase our culture to Papua New Guinea and the world,” he said.
The MoU also outlines plans for the National Cultural Commission and the Milne Bay Provincial Government to jointly develop a Five-Year Provincial Cultural Development Plan. The plan will provide a strategic roadmap for cultural preservation, promotion, and investment across the province
Another major initiative under the agreement is the establishment of a Provincial Cultural Centre in Milne Bay. The proposed centre will serve as a hub for artists, cultural practitioners, and community groups while safeguarding traditional knowledge, arts, crafts, music, and dance for future generations.
The Minister emphasized the broader role culture plays in national development.
“Culture is our identity. Culture creates jobs, grows tourism, and unites our people. Through this MoU, we commit to protect our culture, promote our identity, and build prosperity for the people of Milne Bay,” he said.
The National Cultural Commission will work closely with provincial authorities to support cultural programs, projects, festivals, and events at district and community levels throughout Milne Bay.
The Governor of Milne Bay Province, Gordon Wesley, welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Provincial commitment to working with the Commission to deliver the initiatives outlined in the agreement.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between the National Cultural Commission and the Milne Bay Provincial Government, paving the way for greater investment in cultural preservation, promotion, and development while ensuring that the province’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
