Cultural experts Mark Short and his partner Jane Rubena will be leading the Cook Islands Performing Dance Troupe to the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, from June 6 to 16 this year.

Tupa Tupa will be assisting Short and Rubena, while expert designer Mareta Taana (nee Angene) will steer the creations and handiwork for the costumes.

Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development acting secretary Emile Kairua announced the FestPAC updates this week on local Cook Islands Television (CITV).

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.

Kairua said a Cook Islands delegation of 100 people are expected to attend the Pacific Arts festival, however, only 60 will be fully-funded, others will be funding their own costs.

Twenty artisans and persons in various artistic disciplines have confirmed their attendance to showcase their skills, arts and crafts.

Dancers from the Cook Islands, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have applied for a spot in the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) cultural dance team.

They have been shortlisted to 15 males and 15 females, and the final auditions will be held soon.

Vaka Marumaru Atua is also expected to voyage from Rarotonga to Hawaii for the festival, however, further plans have yet to be confirmed.

For the first time at a Pacific Arts Festival, “Hawaii will be engaging a lot of AI technology, to enhance the event,” revealed Kairua.

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.

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

The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu will serve as the primary venue for FestPAC 2024.