THE Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture has laid out a strategic plan for 2020-2023.
Arts Council Executive Director Parker Y. Yobei said they aim to develop and foster programs that promote excellence in the arts; utilize and promote diverse artistic and cultural resources; provide quality art experiences for CNMI residents and opportunities for artists; and promote and perpetuate the unique folk heritage of the Commonwealth.
To accomplish its mission, Yobei said the Arts Council has set the following goals: Increase support for CNMI artists of all mediums; improve exhibiting programs and facilities including the development of galleries on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and a permanent event site; ensure that the folk arts of the CNMI thrive; ensure that the arts play an important role in the life of the entire community; support arts in education for the duration of the entire school life of students; ensure access to art programs for people of all abilities; support traditional canoe and navigation programs; and ensure that underserved communities have access to art programs.
Yobei said the council’s plan is a product of numerous meetings, discussions, round tables and public hearings with local artists, businesses, government agencies, legislators, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders from 2018 to 2019.
He said the plan reflects the realization that “the arts play a significant role in advancing education, community and cultural pride and enrichment, economic development, and creativity.”
Parker Yobei
