by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
Art is more than paint and music, and can be used to create positive messages that can transform lives in a community.
This was highlighted by a visiting Artist from the American Arts Incubator Program, who is currently in the country to award Grants recipients.
The American Arts Incubator Small Grant is a funding initiative by the US Department of State to provide an opportunity for young people and women to promote positive thinking, through art.
In Papua New Guinea, the Confidence Booth, set up by a youth movement group through YWCA, caught the attention of the American Arts Incubator Program. The group, Youth Adolescent and Health Group was the proud recipient of the grant.
Head of Public Relations for Youth and Adolescent’s Health, David Rupa, is a Member of the group who is currently studying at UPNG.
He says the confidence booth is an avenue where young people can create conversation and advocate on issues affecting them. David’s group has advocated on issues affecting young people.
The American Arts Incubator Program is aimed at recognising artists and groups that advocate issues affecting every day challenges and social ills.
Kendal Henry is an American artist. He has been in the country for three weeks to award recipients of the American Arts Incubator Program.
He hopes recipients will be able to set-up small projects that impact the lives of the community. In terms of accountability, the grants are strictly monitored to ensure recipients use the grants transparently.
Kendal Henry says his view of artwork goes beyond paintings and music. Similar grants were awarded to recipients in Laos, Philippines and Mongolia.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wzDOhzTdhUE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
