September 2011 update: The Festival website is now live http://www.festival-pacific-arts.org.sb/

Solomon Islands representatives at the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in American Samoa say they have already begun preparations to host the 11th festival.

The head of the Solomon Islands delegation in American Samoa, Robert Au, has told the Council of Pacific Arts, which oversees the promotion of culture in the Pacific including preparations for the Festival of Pacific Arts, that Solomon Islands has set itself a firm schedule for completing all arrangements in time for the 2012 festival.

Mr Au says the Council is happy with the timeline Solomon Islands has set. ‘It’s the implementation part that is always difficult because it depends heavily on financial issues.’

Solomon Islands is well represented at the 10th Festival with a total of 106 artists.

A team of observers from the Solomon Islands festival organising committee is also in American Samoa to note recommendations and observe requirements for hosting the 11th festival.