The Department of Culture, Heritage & Arts in Fiji is currently advancing the development of the nation’s Cultural Statistics Framework. The project has been entrusted to lead consultants Dr. Janesh Sami and Laisiasa Corerega, who recently presented their inception report and work plan to Permanent Secretary Pita Tagicakirewa and Deputy Secretary Jone Vakamocea after signing their contract.
Deputy Secretary Vakamocea expressed the importance of this framework, emphasizing its role in establishing evidence-based policies and decision-making within Fiji’s culture, heritage, and arts sector. This initiative marks the first effort to specifically measure the economic impact of cultural activities by creating cultural indicators.
To ensure comprehensive input, a nationwide consultation is set to be conducted, engaging key partners to shed light on the cultural sector’s contributions to the economy and entrepreneurial landscape. This aligns with ongoing initiatives in other governmental departments, demonstrating a collective commitment to recognizing and safeguarding Fiji’s cultural heritage and identity.
An example of this broader commitment includes the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, which is developing policies to acknowledge the contributions of Melanesian descendants, highlighting an effort towards cultural inclusivity. Moreover, the Fiji Bureau of Statistics has been advocating for localized data and involving stakeholders in the policy-making process, mirroring the aims of the Cultural Statistics Framework.
This development signifies a promising direction for Fiji’s cultural sector, enhancing its ability to contribute significantly to the nation’s identity and economy. The focus on evidence-based policymaking fosters community involvement and engagement, indicating a hopeful future for the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of economic sustainability through Fijian arts and culture.
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