MVA approves arts and culture division amid artists' concerns

The Marianas Visitors Authority is moving forward with absorbing the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, with MVA board director Joe C. Guerrero saying the transition is progressing and the agency has requested more than $150,000 in additional funding to strengthen arts and cultural programs.

Guerrero, who is overseeing the transition for the MVA board, gave the update during the board's meeting last Oct. 13 at the MVA office in Garapan.

He said the agency has held several meetings with council staff, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs officials, and the National Endowment for the Arts to ensure the transfer proceeds smoothly.

"We've been working very hard behind the scenes," Guerrero said.

However, MVA board treasurer Marvin Deleon Guerrero, himself an artist, said some members of the local arts community remain opposed to the transfer because they have not received enough information about how the move would benefit them.

Deleon Guerrero, who appeared electronically, said he has personally spoken with several artists who expressed concerns about the merger, including some who have yet to receive payment for their work.

He urged the MVA to conduct more public outreach and explain how the new arrangement would benefit artists in the long term.

Guerrero, meanwhile, said the next step is to meet with artists and other stakeholders and develop a strategic plan for arts and cultural programs under the MVA.

He said the transfer was never intended to substantially change the council's operations but rather to improve existing programs and provide additional support.

"In fact, we've already requested for an additional, over $150,000 of additional funds, which we hope to hear back anytime soon," Guerrero said.

He also sought to assure artists that the council would maintain its independence despite being placed under the MVA.

According to Guerrero, the proposed organizational structure is consistent with National Endowment for the Arts grant requirements, including the need for an independent council.

The council's existing board would retain independent oversight of its programs, while the MVA would provide additional administrative support and opportunities for collaboration.

Guerrero acknowledged that the transition had initially been slow but said progress was being made.

"It was a little slow at first, but I think things are going well," he said.

Deleon Guerrero, meanwhile, said more information should be provided to artists to address opposition to the transfer.

He said he understands their concerns because there has been little public explanation of what the merger would accomplish.

Deleon Guerrero suggested holding public education sessions so artists could better understand the long-term benefits of the new arrangement.

He also said outstanding payments to artists should be addressed as part of the transition.

Rep. Marissa Renee Flores, who chairs the House Committee on Tourism, also attended the meeting and called for greater participation by local artists in promoting the CNMI.

Flores said the transfer presents an opportunity to incorporate local culture, heritage, and creative talent into the MVA's Far From Ordinary tourism campaign.

"I think that would be a perfect opportunity to reimagine what Far From Ordinary looks like with the participation of local artists," Flores said.

She said she and Rep. Julie A. Ogo previously met with the council to discuss concerns involving unpaid artists and the management of grants.

According to Flores, their discussions revealed that some artists had performed services without receiving payment for two to three years.

She also said $36,000 in grant funds had been returned because of inactivity and grant closures. Flores further raised concerns about a grant she said had previously been flagged for possible misappropriation of funds.

Flores asked the MVA to provide documentation of its discussions with the National Endowment for the Arts, particularly the federal agency's reported lack of objections to the transfer.

She said the information would help lawmakers establish the factual basis for legislation she and Ogo are pursuing concerning the council.

Flores also encouraged the MVA to collaborate with local artists and social media content creators, including former residents who continue promoting the Marianas from overseas.

She said the Commonwealth should take advantage of new marketing approaches while highlighting its traditional arts, food, history, and cultural identity.

"We need tourists to understand who we are," Flores said.

The MVA board subsequently approved the establishment of an Arts and Culture Division within the agency pursuant to Executive Order 2026-014 issued by Gov. David M. Apatang.

The executive order transfers the council from the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs to the MVA while preserving its duties and responsibilities under Commonwealth law.

Under the organizational structure presented to the board, the new division will include the council's existing board and staff.

The board approved the establishment of the division while maintaining the council's independent oversight and authorized management to proceed with the legal and administrative requirements of the transition.