Govt institutions in dire need of funds, NCC says

THREE government institutions that play vital roles in preserving and promoting PNG’s cultures are badly in need of funding, National Cultural Commission’s chief executive says.
Casper Damien said the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies (IPNGS), National Film Institute (NFI) and National Performing Arts Troup (NPAT) or Raun Raun Theatre, all under NCC, have been neglected and under-funded for so many years.
“As a result, the buildings including the office complex and staff accommodation are totally run down and urgently need maintenance,” he said.
“Many of our equipment that are used to record history need replacements due to the introduction of the new digitised system.
Damien said the institutions had been understaffed due to people quitting their jobs or retiring.
During a recent trip to Goroka with the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damien saw firsthand the appalling conditions of the Raun Raun Theatre and National Film Institute.
“The conditions we saw were unbelievable. These institutions represent the people of PNG and their cultures but they have been left to rot over the years,” Damien said.
“Full financial and manpower support are needed to revive these institutions, back to their core functions and responsibility once again.”
Since taking office as CEO six weeks ago, Damien has been working hard to revive NCC.
He has begun addressing basic office procedures that have been lacking over the years, he said, but needs backing of the government with funding so he can fix some problems such as buildings.