The 13th FestPAC Guam Planning Committee and the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency are pleased to announce that the following individuals were selected to represent Guam at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture scheduled for June 6 to June 16, 2024 in Hawaii.

The delegation list was presented to the CAHA Board on Tuesday at their monthly board meeting, during which they unanimously voted to approve.

CAHA received an overwhelming response to the renewed callout for delegates.

Application reviewers included recognized CAHA Masters and traditional experts, led by the FestPac Programming Chairs, including Dr. Michael Bevacqua, Eileen Meno, Master of CHamoru Dance, and Dr. Judy Flores and Maria “Lia” Barcinas, Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Special Events and Activities.

The decision was a difficult one because there were so many deserving candidates.

Nonetheless, in an attempt to select the candidate whose overall qualifications best matched the requirements to present the best of Guam, as well as be of good moral standing and known to practice the CHamoru values of Respetu, Inafa’maolek, Gofli’e, and Geftao, the applicants were assessed based on their knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities.

Additionally, influence and contributions to the community, and level of expertise and experience in their genre were considered.

The selection process was rigorous and fair, with each application thoroughly reviewed by a panel of recognized CAHA Masters and traditional experts led by the FestPAC Programming Chairs.

Head of Delegation Monica Guzman, stated, “The goal is to ensure that Guam’s presentation during the 2024 FestPAC showcases the works of Guam’s finest artisans, both traditional and contemporary in all genres reflecting the rich cultural legacy of the CHamoru people. We thank our Masters of Traditional Arts for taking the time to review each application and making their recommendations.”

The 110-member delegation includes artisans representing the Performing Arts (59), Literary Arts (8), and Demonstrations and Exhibits & Special Events and Activities (39). The programming chairs will take up the final four seats.

CAHA Director Angie Taitague said, “Being a delegate to FestPAC is an honor, and I have no doubt that Guam will be proud of the selected delegates! As the host of the 12th Festival, we look forward to renewing the pride of our CHamoru people in Hawaii.”

Held every four years, the Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the largest assembly of Pacific Islanders. Its intent is to deepen mutual respect and admiration through the celebration of artists and cultural practitioners.

For more information, contact CAHA Director Angie Taitague at 671-300-1207 or 671-489-2642 at angie.taitague@caha.guam.gov.

The full list of FESTPac 2024 delegates can be viewed below.