Artists Look Forward to Good Things to Come
BY ALEX DADAMU
TO say that Covid-19 has impacted art businesses and collectors in the country, would be an understatement. In a very short space of time, every business and individual working in the art domain has been affected and had to adapt to a different way of operating or some simply cease their operations.
John Fadama has operated an Arts and Craft business at the Art Gallery lockup shops for 3 years now and he recounted his experiences during the peak COVID which has come to pass.
Fadama said he looks forward to welcoming visitors and guests into the country and hopes the sales of their products would pick up during that time.
For Marrian Jokopada, a Mother and Grandmother, the art of weaving has been her number 1 income generator since she was 10 years of age up until she is married and has kids.
She said through weaving, she was able to pay for her children’s school fees and pay for other necessities.
Marrian speaks of her experience during the COVID period last year and early this year.
Meanwhile, with the re-opening of the country’s international borders, things are looking good for the arts and craft business owners and artists.
President of the Solomon Islands Artist Association, Mr Robert Au said his association in partnership with the National Art Gallery host an Arts Exhibition to coincide with the country’s 44th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.
Mr Au expressed his wish to work together with the Tourism and Culture Ministry to make positive things happen for the association’s artists’ members
In the meantime, Tourism Solomons has announced this week that the tourism industry is preparation welcome international tourists attending the 80th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign 07 – 12 August, next month.
Tourism Solomons said that more than 200 visitors are expected to attend the event including dedicated tour groups from Japan and the US who will all stay at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel in Honiara during their stay with all arrangements being managed by local tour operators, Travel Solomons and Pure Solomons.
