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Torres allots $50K for the arts
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has committed $50,000 that will go toward the Flame Tree Arts Festival for the preservation of local arts and culture.
During the proclamation signing last Thursday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, Torres said his administration has committed possibly the largest amount any administration has given for the festival.
“The amount that we are giving now is a lot more than we normally help… We want to make sure that we…continue this festival to showcase us. There is nowhere else in Micronesia that has the Flame Tree Arts Festival,” he said
Torres said that supporting the festival is important because it not only represents Saipan but it is also the festival that attracts neighboring island residents and tourists to participate. “We just want to make sure we put on a great show for everybody,” Torres said.
Of the $50,000, the Torres administration handed over the first tranche of $30,000 to the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs for the preparations of the festival; the remaining $20,000 will come with the second tranche.
DCCA Secretary Robert Hunter was happy not just with the amount donated but by the support the administration has shown for the arts.
“This is the most support we’ve ever gotten from an administration for the arts,” he said.
According to Hunter, the Flame Tree Arts Festival is an important event that has the potential to entice tourists to visit Saipan. “We need to brand ourselves and we need to brand ourselves using what is ours…and I am glad that we have a governor who understands and supports this [festival],” said Hunter.
The 37th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival will happen from Thursday, April 26, up to Sunday, April 29.
DCCA aims to restore the Flame Tree Arts Festival’s reputation as the largest festival in Micronesia.
