The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has committed SBD $50,000 to the Makira Ulawa Youth Arts and Cultural Festival under a grant agreement signed with the Makira Ulawa provincial government (MUPG), the ministry said.

The agreement was signed on Monday 26 October 2026 by the ministry's Director of Culture, Mr Dennis Marita, and Makira Ulawa Provincial Secretary Mr Christopher Waiwori, and was witnessed by Premier Stanley Siapu and Deputy Director of Culture Mr Steven Paukari. The festival will be held on the margin of the province's Second Appointed Day on 3 August 2027.

Mr Waiwori said the province would begin with school children in the Kirakira area and on Ugi Island, and would open the festival to youths province-wide as the initiative takes root. School children are expected to perform cultural dances, prepare traditional cuisine and take part in other cultural displays.

Mr Waiwori thanked the ministry and said the money would help young people in the province keep their culture and identity. "We appreciate the assistance, as it will go a long way in supporting our youths," he said.

Mr Marita said the ministry welcomed the initiative because young people needed such chances. "To sustain this important aspect of our culture, we need to provide opportunities for young people to share their traditions. In doing so, it will foster cultural understanding and unity among our young people," he said.

Mr Marita also encouraged other provinces planning similar events to contact the ministry for support, and said backing cultural festivals fitted the GREAT government's policy direction of building a resilient economy through tourism development. He said the ministry hoped to arrange annual support for MUPG, which would let it and Tourism Solomons market the festival overseas through their calendar of event.

Source: Based on a statement by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 3 November 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/mct-signs-sbd-50000-grant-agreement-with-mupg-for-youth-arts-and-cultural-festival/