August 2012: Ministers of Pacific Island Countries have agreed on a regional cultural strategy, titled “Regional Cultural Strategy: Investing in Pacific Cultures 2010-2020.” The Cultural Strategy provides policy guidance for the Pacific, to assist in developing the cultural sector and promoting of Pacific cultures. The Strategy – mandated by the Pacific Plan – was adopted during the 11th Pacific Arts Festival, which convened from 2-11 July 2012, in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The development of the Strategy was coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The Cultural Strategy sets out 10 goals – seven for the national level and three for the regional level – which encompass the dimensions and components of the cultural sector.

The Strategy also sets six targets, related to: traditional knowledge and intangible cultural heritage; cultural sites, places and spaces; cultural infrastructure and institutions; cultural industries; cultural goods and services; and cultural practitioners. According to the Strategy, these targets are components of the cultural sector that have been identified as requiring the most immediate attention, and provide the greatest opportunities for growth and development in the Pacific region.

The Strategy aims provide a clear guide to countries on how to both mainstream culture into other economic and social sectors, and how to further culture as a sector in itself.

The Pacific Community has 26 members: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna; plus Australia, France, New Zealand and the US. [IISD RS Sources] [SPC Human Development Programme Website]