The
Department of Culture and Heritage, under the auspices
of the Ministry of Fijian Affairs, Culture, Heritage
& Regional Development, provides policy advice
on issues related to the safeguarding and enhancement
of cultural and natural heritage, in both tangible
and intangible, moveable and immovable forms. This
ensures the protection and management of Fiji's
national heritage, flora, fauna and national amenities;
archaeological sites and cultural heritage collections
and the development of the crafts and arts sector.
The oral nature of the indigenous culture and heritage
makes it deserving of particular attention. Recognizing
the cultural diversity and promoting the cultural
pluralism at the grassroots level will promote mutual
understanding between individuals and different
community groups. Cultural development will seek
to promote creativity in all forms, facilitating
access to cultural practices and experiences.
The Department was first established in year 2000
and is responsible to the Prime Minister & Minister
for Fijian Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Hon. Laisenia
Qarase.
Responsibilties
The
Department is responsible for:
Policy
Advice on a wide range of issues relating to
the cultural and heritage sector and particularly
the preservation, development and promotion of the
intangible and tangible cultural heritage; the development
of an overarching legislation for the culture and
heritage sector and reviewing current legislation
to be more applicable to the current environment.
It also includes advice related to implementation
issues and the initial promulgation of new government
policies.
Ministerial
Services include the preparation of responses
to parliamentary Questions and inquiries and draft
replies to general ministerial correspondence. The
services also include the preparation of speech
notes and speeches, advisory support to the Minister
in Cabinet committees and select committees, preparation
of press releases and general administrative support
required by the Minister.
Cultural
Grants and Service Agreements Administration
includes the administration of grants to the Fiji
Museum, National Trust of Fiji and the Fiji Arts
Council and the management of agreements with those
heritage service providers. In particular this involves
the protection and management of Fiji's national
heritage, flora, fauna and national amenities; archaeological
sites and cultural heritage collections and the
development of the crafts and arts sector including
the establishment of a database of performing and
visual artists, producers and craft artisans.
Cultural
Grants Funding Program, which is a new program,
coordinated by the Department and managed by the
Fiji Arts Council for the funding of new cultural
initiatives and projects at the community level
and for the benefit of Fiji's cultural sector.
Management
of Fiji's Participation at Arts Festivals involves
the Department contracting the preparation and management
of contingents of artists, craftspeople and performers,
representing both indigenous and other ethnic groups,
to participate at regional and international arts
festivals.
| SDP Culture NPO |
 |
PDF DOCUMENT
96KB
|
TOP
Legislation
The Department has responsibilities in relation
to the following Acts of Parliament:
