NCC to promote, protect culture

By GYNNIE KERO
THE National Cultural Commission (NCC) is seeking greater exposure through supporting of shows and festivals, according to executive director Casper Damien.
Damien said the commission has also visited districts and conducted awareness on its roles.
“NCC has now made itself expose to rest of the country and people are now know that there is an office that deals with the culture of the people in the country,” he said.
“We have gone to places, there are more cultural groups coming and registered themselves with NCC. With this information, there is a need for data base for all groups registering with NCC needs to be recorded.
“We are even inviting schools to come to us so we explain to school children that NCC has a responsibility to protect, Persevere and promote our culture in the Country.
“That is where cultural education comes in.
“Not many people know of institutions that come under the National Cultural Commission, like Institute of Papua New Guinea studies based in Boroko, Port Moresby, and National Performing Arts Troup (Raun Raun Theatre) based in Goroka, Eastern Highlands and National Film Institute (NFI) also based in Goroka.
“These are three very important and iconic institutions which puts Papua New Guinea (PNG) on the world map and expose PNG in 1960s and even they are still functioning.
“However, these institutions are old and all infrastructures are in ruined which needs urgent renovation or new ones have to be built.
“We are looking for funds to maintain our institutions.”