ART GALLERY DEVELOPMENT STOPS


BY BETTY SISIMIA

PLANS TO have a new national art gallery built has been cancelled for an indefinite period following government’s decision.
The building which was at first planned to have been constructed early last year was not built after the government decided to have hosting the 2012 Pacific Arts Festival in its top priority list.
Two architecture firms have been selected from five bidders expressing interest in designing the building, but contracts were not signed following this move, said Ministry of Culture and Tourism Permanent Secretary, Luke Eta.
The permanent secretary said this decision was made after a close look at the expense relating to both developments.
“Limited plans leave us no choice but to postpone the 8 to 12 million dollars (art gallery) development and concentrate on festivals preparations.”
He said festival amenities hits huge dollars, and need more time so the money is worth spent at preparing for the festivals now.
According to the permanent secretary, an art open theater and multipurpose halls are likely amenities for this big event.
The ministry is yet to decide on where to have these facilities constructed