Project Description
Year: 2024
Amount: € 4.000,-
Where: Arso
The exhibition “Birds of God” could not have been realized without the cooperation of the community in Arso, Papua. In this exhibition, you were introduced to Jhon and Demianus and their families. We are immensely grateful to them for sharing their stories. Therefore, we are happy to give something back to the community of Arso, so that their important stories are not lost but continue to resonate in the Netherlands and in Papua.
The community of Arso
The society of Arso is under pressure. Modern influences from the city are increasingly penetrating local life. International companies and migrants from outside are displacing the original population of Arso from their land. Young generations are becoming disconnected from the traditions of their ancestors. A unique culture is at risk of being lost. Local communities in Papua have proven themselves for centuries as the best protectors of precious flora and fauna. Investing in these communities and preserving their cultural traditions is therefore very important.
Cultural home
The community in Arso has expressed a desire to build a cultural home. Many villages in Papua have such community houses; they are central places where social life largely unfolds. For Arso, this house will first and foremost be a place where different tribes from the region can exhibit and sell their art and artifacts. But the house is more than a gallery or museum. Here, people can meet and create music and art together. Traditions and crafts can also be passed down from elders to younger generations. In short, it’s a living place where sharing, celebrating, and passing on occur. We are happy to help the community of Arso realize their dream, thus contributing to the protection of this unique culture.
