The National Art Gallery is currently working on a semi-permanent building project to be used by those selling their art works on the streets of Honiara.
This was confirmed by the National Art Gallery curator Brian Afia and Solomon Islands Artist Association president Bani Roni.
Afia said the project is still in its ground work at this stage.
“An inspection and survey of the site has been successfully completed which is located few metres behind the gallery stage, and we will just wait for the building materials to arrive before starting the project off,” he said.
“This semi-permanent building is a project funded among tourism projects of the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, thus it is a project that museum staff and local artists are looking forward to,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roni has appreciated the project, describing it as a milestone in the development of art & craft.
He said local artists and crafts people have no proper place to sell their products in Honiara, resulting in them doing it on the streets.
“Now the completion of the project will enable us locals to accommodate our handicraft products within a comfortable market space that will also link our network with overseas market through internet, and strengthen our connection with other regional handicraft organisations to work in partnership to promote Art & Craft work in Solomon Islands and the Pacific,” Roni stated.
By AATAI JOHN
