02 Jun FestPac Creates Connections: From Guampdn.com
The Festival of Pacific Arts Visual Arts exhibit opened at the Guam Museum on May 26. Jerick Sablan/PDN
Being here in Guam to witness the Festival of Pacific Arts is something that I have planned for years now, along with thousands of others. There are many old friends and families coming together to enjoy this event. There are also important new connections being made among professionals, artists and academics from all over the Pacific, and the world.
Along with the Festival of Pacific Arts, there are two major conferences scheduled during this time. One is the Pacific Asia Travel Association conference known as PATA. The Guam Visitors Bureau hosted this global tourism forum to enhance the future of travel in the region. The other is the Pacific History Conference hosted by the University of Guam. This is a treasure of presentations from around the world that exposes Pacific connections through history.
Our island is literally humming with the energy of the Pacific people. I have heard spontaneous song in airports, sidewalks and from the transportation buses. I have seen delegates from other countries, strangers to one another, stop to ask about their jewelry or dress, and progress to learn about each other’s countries and cultures. On any given night, you could find yourself dancing to a contemporary Tongan band or singing along to favorite Chamorro classics.
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In our island right now, governors, chiefs and PhDs mingle. Keepers of ancient knowledge and modern filmmakers walk alongside officials from the Smithsonian and UNESCO. What this gathering brings together is like an amazing fiesta table full of bright color, and fresh flavor for the choosing.
In anticipation of this event Guam has risen to support the production of art to showcase. There have been new books printed, a new Sakman launched and new music composed. This festival’s rare gathering of Pacific seafarers is facilitating a canoe summit concerned with the perpetuation of the knowledge of seafaring, unique to the ingenious Pacific people.
In the months and years to come, this mix of energy and beauty and expertise hosted on our island will undoubtedly shape new art, new dance, new business, new areas of study and our next generation of cultural leaders. This has been the legacy of FestPac since its beginning. This is what Guam is making possible by graciously hosting this Festival of Pacific Arts, bringing the most important cultural event of the Pacific to the people of Guam. It is everything I hoped it would be.
Sandy Flores Uslander lives in San Diego and promotes Chamorro culture. Reach her at www.GoIsland.net