Castro urges agencies to release overdue payments to CNMI artists

Performing artist LJ Castro is calling on the Commonwealth Council for the Arts, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, which oversees the arts council, and the Department of Finance to expedite payments owed to local artists and cultural practitioners who, he said, have gone months without receiving compensation for work they completed.

Castro said the delayed payments represent more than a financial hardship. He argued they undermine trust between government agencies and the islands' creative community, discourage artists from continuing to hone their craft, and could make performers and cultural practitioners reluctant to participate in future government-sponsored cultural events.

"I believe, aside from the inconvenience on artist wallets, because pretty much, you know, you do need money to operate as an artist," Castro said. "Artists, pretty much whatever money they get goes into their craft."

Castro said he has been following legislative oversight hearings and media reports regarding artists who remain unpaid after providing services for the arts council. He said some artists he personally knows have been waiting between about six months and a year to receive payment.

Although many artists perform primarily to preserve and promote the CNMI's culture rather than for financial gain, Castro said government agencies still have a responsibility to honor commitments they make.

"When they do what they do, it's primarily to showcase their talents and hopefully inspire individuals to take up that craft later in the long run," Castro said. "But, you know, you gotta make sure that your, you know, whatever promises you make, you keep."

Castro said artists often use their earnings to purchase supplies and equipment needed to continue practicing their craft, from musical instruments and costumes to materials for traditional arts. Beyond the financial impact, he said delayed payments send the wrong message to people who have spent years mastering their art.

"It kind of like shows an attitude of lack of appreciation," Castro said. "What our artists, whether they're visual, performing, do other versions of living arts, they, it takes years to do or to learn what they do."

Castro acknowledged there may be administrative complications contributing to the delays, some of which were discussed during legislative hearings. However, he said artists deserve honest communication and timely updates while the matter is being resolved.

"I feel it's just, they just feel like they want a wrong righted," Castro said. "The only thing that makes the problem even worse is just either lack of communication or just straight up not answering these questions."

If the issue remains unresolved, Castro said he fears it could have long-term consequences for the CNMI's arts community.

"Who knows what the consequences might be. Either people might not want to participate in any of these events or activities that the arts council holds," Castro said. He added, "Or even worse, you know, someone might seek legal action, which I know everybody doesn't want."

Castro stressed that his comments were not intended as criticism of arts council employees, saying he recognizes the work they do to promote the CNMI's cultures. Rather, he said he wants the agencies involved to resolve the issue and keep affected artists informed.

"If there's a delay, and they're running to another, and they're running to roadblocks, just be honest and communicate that," Castro said. "It's better to give an answer of it's still pending, rather than just leaving the phone off the hook or just not returning any phone calls."

Castro said he hopes the matter can be settled amicably so artists can focus once again on preserving and sharing the islands' cultural heritage.

"I hope whatever is the cause of this gets fixed, and, you know, we can go back to practicing our art and continuing to show the uniqueness of our cultures here in the community," he said.

Marianas Press sought comment from the DCCA, but a response was not available as of press time.