Next year the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders is to make a spectacular re-appearance at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, 6–16 June 2024.

Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development) is pleased to announce the start of registration for individuals or groups who wish to represent the Cook Islands at FestPAC 2024.

The Ministry aims to assemble a group of 60 participants for the event.

Ngatuaine Maui, Tauranga Vananga’s Director Te Papa Turanga Manava Māori (National Cultural Identity) said the selection panel responsible for evaluating and choosing the representatives for the Cook Islands will comprise of both Tauranga Vananga staff and Taonga - esteemed cultural experts.

Artisans and persons in various artistic disciplines including cultural dancers, drummers, musicians, visual artists, carvers, tivaivai sewing, rito weavers, maoro (massage) therapists, film makers, fashion/wearable art designers, floral artists and costume designers, who are able to contribute actively and participate in the festival, are encouraged to file their applications by this Friday October 27, at 4pm.

Activities in the festival will include live performances, cultural workshops, film, storytelling and more.

The theme for FestPAC Hawaii 2024 will be “Ho’oulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania,” which pays tribute to the traditions that FestPAC aims to preserve, while looking ahead to the future.

In 1972, the South Pacific Commission (now known as The Pacific Community – SPC) launched this vibrant platform to showcase arts and culture - the primary objective was to prevent the decline of traditional practices through ongoing cultural exchange.

The festival has played a dual role of safeguarding traditional arts and culture while also providing a platform for contemporary Pacific Island artists to showcase their creativity and address contemporary issues.

One of the festival's most important objectives is to promote cultural exchange and understanding among the participating nations.

It provides an opportunity for artists and cultural practitioners to learn from each other, share stories, and establish lasting connections.

FestPAC is held every four years, but due to Covid-19, the 13th FestPAC, scheduled for 2020, was postponed.

The 2016 festival was hosted in Guam.

The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu will serve as the primary venue for FestPAC 2024, showcasing the diverse cultures of the Pacific region hosting artists, performers, cultural practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the Pacific.

If you would like more information or to apply for FestPAC 2024 representing the Cook Islands, please email: mocd.recruitment@cookislands.gov.ck or call 20725.