From the Tonga Traditions Committee, Palace Office, Nuku'alofa, 17 July 2008: The Pacific Arts Festival is a regional cultural meeting that exhibits traditional dancing, carving, weaving, handicrafts, oral traditions, contemporary arts and a host of other educational, tourism, commercial and environmental activities.

The 4 year regional meeting was first held in Suva, Fiji in 1972.  The 1972 contingents from Tonga consisted of Lakalaka performers.  Since 1972, the Ministry of Education has represented the traditional dances and they continue to do so in 2008. 

Since the inaugural Festival, the capacity of participants has increased and the Festival now includes more regional countries that are not members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Most of the participants in the Festival are young trainee teachers.  In 2008, Tonga will be represented by handicraft groups, weavers, contemporary dancers, youth groups and story tellers.

The Head of Delegation is represented by Hon. Albert Tu'ivanuavou Vaea (Secretary, Tonga Traditions Committee), assisted by: Hon. Tu'ilokomana Tuita; Dr. Viliamai Fukofuka ,CEO of Education; Mr. Edgar Cocker, CEO for Tourism; Liuaki Fusitu'a, Head of Teacher Training Institute; Mr. Sitiveni Fehoko, Master Carver and Ms. 'Ofa Masili, Women's Affairs.

In total there are approximately 120 participants attending the 10th Pacific Arts Festival in Pago Pago, American Samoa from 20th July – 2nd August 2008.  50% of these participants are from Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's) and 50% from Government Organisations (GO's).

The Government is subsidising travel and Per Diem for all NGO and GO participants.

It is anticipated that during this years Festival, that Tonga perform to a high standard, with possible thoughts to bid for the hosting of the next Pacific Arts Festival.

The Tongan delegation hope that the high returns from the selling of handicrafts will provide an important lifeline to Tonga's economy and some financial assistance to the NGO's from Ha'apai, Vava'u and the Niua's. 

Palace Office, Tonga Traditions Committee

From the Tonga Traditions Committee, Palace Office, Nuku'alofa, 17 July 2008: The Pacific Arts Festival is a regional cultural meeting that exhibits traditional dancing, carving, weaving, handicrafts, oral traditions, contemporary arts and a host of other educational, tourism, commercial and environmental activities.

The 4 year regional meeting was first held in Suva, Fiji in 1972.  The 1972 contingents from Tonga consisted of Lakalaka performers.  Since 1972, the Ministry of Education has represented the traditional dances and they continue to do so in 2008. 

Since the inaugural Festival, the capacity of participants has increased and the Festival now includes more regional countries that are not members of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Most of the participants in the Festival are young trainee teachers.  In 2008, Tonga will be represented by handicraft groups, weavers, contemporary dancers, youth groups and story tellers.

The Head of Delegation is represented by Hon. Albert Tu'ivanuavou Vaea (Secretary, Tonga Traditions Committee), assisted by: Hon. Tu'ilokomana Tuita; Dr. Viliamai Fukofuka ,CEO of Education; Mr. Edgar Cocker, CEO for Tourism; Liuaki Fusitu'a, Head of Teacher Training Institute; Mr. Sitiveni Fehoko, Master Carver and Ms. 'Ofa Masili, Women's Affairs.

In total there are approximately 120 participants attending the 10th Pacific Arts Festival in Pago Pago, American Samoa from 20th July – 2nd August 2008.  50% of these participants are from Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's) and 50% from Government Organisations (GO's).

The Government is subsidising travel and Per Diem for all NGO and GO participants.

It is anticipated that during this years Festival, that Tonga perform to a high standard, with possible thoughts to bid for the hosting of the next Pacific Arts Festival.

The Tongan delegation hope that the high returns from the selling of handicrafts will provide an important lifeline to Tonga's economy and some financial assistance to the NGO's from Ha'apai, Vava'u and the Niua's. 

Palace Office, Tonga Traditions Committee