THE 42nd Flame Tree Arts Festival, which has been set for April 21-23, has been canceled Variety learned.
Asked for comment, the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture said it was waiting for an advisory from the Office of the Governor and that a meeting will be held regarding the details of the cancelation today.
Registered vendors who have already paid will be refunded.
A government source, who requested anonymity, said the cancelation was due to budget constraints.
Artists and community members expressed their disappointment on social media.
“The 1 event that us Local Artists look forward to every year to sell & share our Artwork, our Crafts, Sing our Songs, dancing & to honor our fallen. They killed street market & everything else, this was the one thing our art world was holding on to,” Aofia Tuiolosega posted on Facebook.
Local artist Noel Quitugua asked, “What is the freakin reason of cancelation? Mrs. Maggie Sablan please explain why the festival has been canceled! You are recently appointed to be the Secretary of DCCA and this is your First Job Order? Seriously?! Can CCAC Executive Director pls share your valid reasoning also.”
The Flame Tree Arts Festival is considered as one of the longest running arts and culture events in the Western Pacific.
