Central Province will be paving the way this year in hosting the first of its kind Central Music festival in Kwikila, Rigo District, scheduled from May 24th – 26th, with the theme ‘Uniting Central Province in Music’. This move has received financial support of K500, 000 from the Central Provincial Government. President of the Central Music Association (CMA) Mr. Allen Kedea stated that this occasion was significant as this was the first time the government and the music industry have proactively taken steps to work together to build the music industry, not only in Central, but also in Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We are looking to promote our artists and our place, Central Province, PNG music and to also help to push PNG music to international platforms.” He continued to thank the Governor of Central and inaugural Patron of CMA Ms. Rufina Peter on behalf of the Central Music Association for her support in the industry and also in the launching of the province’s association. “We are grateful for the support given to us by our governor and patron.” “Central Music Association is the first music association to be registered with the National Cultural Commission and working with the government automatically gives us recognition.” “We will not be just an association but an organization of movement for quality of music, for rights and for acknowledgment.” Governor Peter further confirmed the Central Provincial Government’s support in the building up of the music industry and commended the efforts, the vision and the leadership of the association. “The launching of the association and the music festival is a crucial milestone and is a testimony to the hard-work and sacrifice that music artists have made and continue to make in order to protect their unique music and to be appropriately rewarded for their craft – a course common for all local musicians in the country.” “I will do my best to support the course of CMA and work with the Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture and the National Cultural Commission to advance the issues faced by local music artists in Central and PNG.” She also added that there will be a workshop and a conference for all artists and musicians in the days leading up to the festival. "The workshop will cover developing issues such as song composition, upskilling quality, Internet technology processes, and management concerning social media, YouTube, copyright, capacity building and any challenges faced by musicians and artists." “Central Province has so much talent in this industry and this festival will expose and showcase the province’s true potential in music.” The Music Festival will feature music legends from the province and also the upcoming stars.