The Pacific Arts Festival to be held in Hawaii has now been postponed to 2024.
It was originally planned for June 10-21, 2020 in Honolulu.
The Pacific Community, formerly known as the South Pacific Commission, which is the custodian of the festival announced that the postponement follows the decision of its Council of Pacific Arts and Culture (C.P.A.C.) and was based on Pacific-wide health, economic, and security concerns stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.
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FestPAC Hawai’i Commission Chairman, Senator Kalani English, said that they were excited to host this year’s FestPAC but they had to defer the festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were very much looking forward to hosting FestPAC this year. However, the Commission realized there is much to consider given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific,” Senator Kalani said.
“Commissioners are now discussing how to best reaffirm our plans to highlight our indigenous cultures once the pandemic subsides, and how Hawaii will serve as an outstanding host to delegates, participants and visitors. We have ample time to prepare.”
Its proposal to postpone the 13th Festival to 2024 was considered by the C.P.A.C. on May 20, 2020.
A working group was established to determine how best to adapt the festival to ensure that everyone continues to meet the changes in the region and keep the essential role of arts and culture at the forefront of Pacific development.
The American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities had planned to take a 100 member group to the Hawaii Festival.
