Previous Story
‘Bright prospect’ for Flame Tree Festival despite crisis
|
Posted on Feb 12 2009
A total of 11 stall owners, including seven in the food and four in the arts, have confirmed their participation in the first two days of registration for the 28th Flame Tree Arts Festival, scheduled for April 23-26 at the Civic Center in Saipan.
“So far so good. There are other callers but because they are busy with other things they have reserved time to come and make their own registration. This is a good indication that we will have a good turnout despite the economic crisis,” said Arts Coordinator Parker Yobei.
He said several new artists want to join but they will have to register first.
Registration started last Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the office of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture.
The annual event features the diversity of culture in the region and abroad, ranging from traditional and contemporary visual, to performing and culinary arts.
Registration costs are $100 for traditional/visual artists, $100 for information booths, $300 for non-profit organization, and $600 for food/business vendors.
Interested individuals or business establishments must submit copies of their business license or food handlers’ certificate or non-profit charter.
CCAC is encouraging vendors to make their registration early because there are only 20 slots for the food sector and 60 other slots that are available.
Please call 670-322-9982/83 or e-mail marianasarts@pticom.com for more details.
Preparations for the festival started as early as January with invitations to arts council agencies in other neighboring islands like Palau, Hawaii, Guam, and Federated States of Micronesia and from Tinian, Rota and Saipan.
This annual event started as a small art fair in 1981 and is now considered the largest arts festival in Micronesia, with the intention to provide opportunities for everyone to be exposed and learn different cultural and artistic values.
The event will be highlighted by education workshops, presentation of local arts, cultural performances, traditional preparation of food, traditional games, exhibits of arts and crafts, parade of cultures and traditional canoe building workshops.
