MVA Begins Community-led Planning for Future of Arts Council

The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) is outlining its plans for the transition of the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture (CCAC) to the MVA, with a focus on uninterrupted access to federal arts funding, strategic planning, transparent grant awards, and expanded opportunities for local artists and cultural practitioners.

As an important step in the transition, the MVA plans to meet with artists, cultural practitioners, and interested community members beginning this month to hear their priorities, concerns, and ideas for the future of arts and culture in the Marianas. The meeting will help lay the foundation for the development of a strategic plan for CCAC under the MVA.

The transition is being carried out pursuant to Executive Order 2026-014, signed by Gov. David M. Apatang on Aug. 6, 2026. The MVA has been working with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the CCAC, the CNMI Office of Grants Management, and other stakeholders to support the transition.

As part of that process, the MVA has spoken with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and received confirmation that the transfer of the CCAC under the MVA will not jeopardize the CNMI’s federal arts funding.  

“MVA understands the importance of getting this transition right,” said MVA Acting Board Chair Vicky Benavente. “Our responsibility is to ensure that federal funding remains intact and that support for the arts and culture of the Marianas continues while establishing clear, transparent processes for the selection and awarding of grants. We’re looking forward to dialoguing with the artists on the future path of the council .”

MVA Director Joe Guerrero, the Board’s appointee to oversee the transition, said the MVA plans to meet within the next two weeks with registered artists and all interested parties to begin the development of a strategic plan for the council.  

“As we move forward, we will be holding meetings in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to determine the direction of the program and how the funds can best support the arts and culture of the Marianas,” Guerrero said. “This is a community program, and we want the voices of artists, cultural practitioners, arts organizations, and interested community members to be part of shaping its future. We appreciate everyone’s patience and participation as we work through this transition.”

The meeting is also anticipated to include an update from the CNMI Office of Grants Management on the status of the council’s NEA grant, next steps for vendors still awaiting payment, and other financial matters.

As an autonomous agency, the MVA adheres to recommended accounting practices and regularly pays vendors within 30 days of invoice. The MVA will also help identify additional avenues for artists and cultural practitioners who wish to share their work with visitors. Participation in visitor-oriented opportunities will remain a choice for individual artists and practitioners. 

“Arts and culture are first and foremost for and by our community,” said CCAC Acting Board Chairman Julie Duenas. “Our culture is a living expression of who we are. The council will work closely with the MVA to open new opportunities to share with our visitors, while safeguarding authentic cultural expression and supporting the artists, practitioners, organizations, and communities that sustain the CNMI’s arts and cultural traditions..”

The date of the first artists meeting in Saipan will be announced shortly, with meetings in Tinian and Rota to follow.  

For more information, contact the MVA at info@mymarianas.com or 1.670.664.3200.