SI Culture Minister opens contemporary sculpture project in Honiara

Minister for Culture and Tourism Bently Samuel Ragosomani has praised the local carvers involved in the first ever contemporary sculpture project at the National Museum in Honiara.

Mr Ragosomani made the comments while opening the project last Thursday afternoon.

The project called Peace and Unity in Art Sculpture is now on display at the National Museum village model.

The Minister said the artists had used chain saws and other tools to produce the more than ten sculptures now standing there, saying already there's discussion of artists using metal for a similar project.

Mr Ragosomani also appealed to organisations to support local artists continue in this way.

Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner Patrick Cole told SIBC news that it would be good if local artists can be supported to work at the Museum every day so that visitors could visit them and watch as they work.

The Peace and Unity in Art Sculpture Project was funded by the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company as part of its ongoing contributions to the community.

National Museum Director and North Malaita leader, Lawrence Faoanaota, also said that the project is another example of the abundant talents of Solomon Islands artists that are just waiting to be tapped.

source: SIBC Online (http://www.sibconline.com.sb/main.asp)