PORT MORESBY — In a landmark move for cultural preservation, the Gulf Provincial Government has become the first in Papua New Guinea to financially align with the National Cultural Commission (NCC), reinforcing a shared commitment to protect and promote the nation’s diverse traditional heritage.
On 4 July 2025, at the NCC head office in Port Moresby, Gulf Provincial Administrator Clement Tare officially handed over a K80,000 (approximately USD 21,600) cheque to NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda. The funding marks the province’s state party contribution towards completing the Toare Cultural Centre — a major community-driven project based in Toare Village, Gulf Province.
Kilanda welcomed the partnership as a “historic milestone” for PNG’s cultural sector.
He also expressed appreciation to Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta and Administrator Tare for their firm commitment to culture. This support, he said, will ensure the Centre’s proper completion, operation, and future cultural programmes in the province.
Jointly developed by the NCC and UNESCO, the Toare Cultural Centre forms part of a broader initiative to have the Toare Mask Culture nominated for inscription on UNESCO’s Urgent Safeguarding List.
With the Gulf Provincial Government’s K80,000 (USD 21,600) contribution now secured—adding to NCC’s initial support of K20,000 (USD 5,400)—the project is on track for completion. The Centre is scheduled to officially open on Friday, 11 July, with the Annual Toare Mask Festival taking place from 12 to 13 July.
Administrator Tare commended NCC’s grassroots-led approach, saying the Centre would become a “beacon of pride” for the people of Gulf and serve as “a powerful tool for youth education and cultural revival.”
He pledged continued support, including further financial assistance for the Toare Mask Festival and other heritage initiatives.
“Our commitment reflects a broader vision to place culture at the heart of community development and identity restoration,” Tare said.
This three-way partnership among the Gulf Provincial Government, the National Cultural Commission, and UNESCO marks Papua New Guinea’s first provincial-level cultural development collaboration of its kind — setting a new precedent for provinces across the country.
As the official opening draws near, the Toare Cultural Centre stands as a powerful symbol of cultural unity, government leadership, and international cooperation, safeguarding PNG’s irreplaceable heritage for future generations.
