Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called for greater recognition, preservation and international promotion of Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage, saying the nation’s identity and sovereignty are rooted in thousands of years of history extending far beyond its political Independence in 1975.
Prime Minister Marape made the remarks on Tuesday evening, October 27, while attending Sovereign Vibe: A Portrait of the Nation After Its First Fifty Years, an art exhibition presented by Gatherings by Sheraton at the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, featuring the work of prominent Papua New Guinean artist Jeffry Feeger.
“The spirit of our sovereignty is much deeper than 1975,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our sovereignty is not bounded by the modern borders we have today.”
He said Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity transcended modern political boundaries, reflecting ancient connections between communities across the country and the wider Melanesian region.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea possessed one of the richest and most diverse cultural heritages in the world, with its hundreds of languages, traditions and customs representing an extraordinary national treasure.
“It is not easy to preserve our national identity and heritage,” he said.
He commended Mr Feeger for capturing the nation’s diversity and cultural identity through his paintings, describing the exhibition as a fitting reflection on Papua New Guinea’s first 50 years of Independence and the enduring sovereignty of its people.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage was not something that began with Independence on September 16, 1975, but represented thousands of years of history, creativity and traditions passed down through generations.
He said that while other countries might measure their greatness through economic strength and military power, Papua New Guinea possessed something equally valuable in its extraordinary cultural diversity, traditional knowledge, music and artistic expression.
Prime Minister Marape paid special tribute to Mr Feeger for his commitment to preserving Papua New Guinea’s identity through art, while acknowledging the contributions of earlier generations of artists, musicians and cultural pioneers.
He said the nation had produced exceptional creative talent over the decades, although many outstanding artists had passed away without receiving the recognition they deserved.
“Unfortunately, we have lost many of our artists along the way,” he said.
The Prime Minister recalled the remarkable abilities of Papua New Guinean musicians, including an occasion when a local pianist impressed the then Prince Charles, now King Charles III, through an unexpected musical performance.
He said such experiences demonstrated the extraordinary artistic abilities of Papua New Guineans and the importance of recognising, encouraging and promoting local talent.
Prime Minister Marape also welcomed the idea of showcasing Papua New Guinea’s artistic and cultural heritage internationally, including through exhibitions associated with major global events such as the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.
He said such opportunities could introduce international audiences to the richness of Papua New Guinea’s cultures while creating greater appreciation and recognition for its artists.
The Prime Minister encouraged the Government, private sector and arts community to explore opportunities for supporting local artists and bringing their work to wider national and international audiences.
He said Papua New Guinea’s artists, writers, musicians and performers played an essential role in documenting the nation’s history, preserving its traditions and inspiring future generations to appreciate their identity.
As the country moves into its second half-century of Independence, Prime Minister Marape said cultural preservation must remain a national priority.
He encouraged young Papua New Guineans to take pride in their heritage and use their creativity to tell the country’s stories through painting, writing, music, dance and other forms of artistic expression.
The Prime Minister congratulated Mr Feeger and the organisers of Sovereign Vibe for providing a platform to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s cultural richness and reflect on the nation’s journey since Independence.
He said the exhibition demonstrated that Papua New Guinea’s greatest strength lay not only in its natural resources, but also in the creativity, diversity, identity and enduring spirit of its people.