Theme: “PNG Arts: Past, Present, and Future”
17 – 19 September, 2025, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
The first ever Papua New Guinea’s Arts Conference entitled “‘PNG Arts: Past, Present, and Future” will be held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from 2 until 4 September 2025. Participate in a landmark event dedicated to examining and celebrating the rich artistic heritage, development, and future trajectory of Papua New Guinea. This inaugural conference aims to convene scholars, artists, cultural practitioners, and enthusiasts from across the globe to critically explore the multifaceted dimensions of PNG’s arts (visual, music, theatre, writing), analyzing their cultural, historical, and contemporary relevance while envisioning their role in shaping the nation’s future.
Call for Papers:
We invite participants to submit papers related to the arts (visual, music, theatre, writing) of Papua New Guinea, focusing on its dynamic transformation across three key eras:
- The Past: PNG arts before independence (1975), encompassing traditional practices, cultural expressions, and ancestral narratives through the creative arts.
- The Present: PNG arts post-independence, reflecting modern influences, social change, and identity.
- The Future: Forward-looking perspectives on how PNG arts can innovate, inspire, and influence globally.
Suggested Sub-Topics for Papers:
- Traditional Artistic Practices:
Exploring indigenous crafts, ceremonial artifacts, dances, songs, traditional instruments, and their cultural meanings. - Arts and Independence:
The role of art in PNG’s journey toward and after independence. - Contemporary PNG Arts Movements:
Emerging artists, writers, mediums, and their socio-political themes. - Preservation and Revival of Traditional Art Forms:
Addressing the challenges and opportunities of keeping traditions alive. - Art and Global Influence:
The interplay between PNG arts and international exposure or collaborations. - Digital and Technological Innovation in PNG Arts:
The integration of technology in art-making and cultural storytelling. - PNG Art and Sustainability:
Eco-friendly practices, resource management, and the use of natural materials in artistic expressions. - Other topics related to the arts of Papua New Guinea.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote speeches by renowned PNG and international art scholars.
- Panel discussions on the role of art in cultural preservation and national identity.
- Launching of the Book “Living Art Papua New Guinea”
- Live exhibitions, music and theatre arts performance showcasing traditional and contemporary PNG art pieces.
- Networking sessions for cross-cultural collaboration and exchange.
Submission Guidelines:
Abstracts of no more than 300 words must be submitted by April 1, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by May 15, 2025.
Contact Information:
For more information or to submit your abstract, please contact:
Email: conference@pngartconference.org
Website: www.pngartconference.org
Let us come together to celebrate, reflect on, and shape the future of Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary artistic heritage.