Stakeholders Begin Transfer of Arts Council to the MVA

Representatives from the CNMI Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA), the Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture, CNMI Office of Grants Management and the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) recently met to begin the process of transferring of the Arts Council to MVA, as directed by CNMI Executive Order 2026-014 signed by Governor David M. Apatang on Aug. 6, 2026.

“With the implementation of this month’s executive order, I’m pleased to see the strong teamwork underway on the Arts Council transition, as well as tangible benefits for our artists through this merger,” said Apatang. “Our Grants Management Office is beginning to disburse long standing payments to artists and cultural practitioners. We are moving in the right direction.”

The Aug. 13 meeting was attended by DCCA Secretary Frank Rabauliman, Acting Arts Council Board Chair Julie Duenas, Grant Administrator Epi Cabrera, MVA Board Chair Warren Villagomez and Board Secretary Joe Guerrero, and MVA Acting Managing Director Judy C. Torres.

“The Marianas Visitors Authority recognizes Governor Apatang’s vision of streamlining government operations,” said MVA Board Chair Warren Villagomez. “While this transition presents new responsibilities to the MVA, we are committed to working closely with all partners to ensure the Council’s important work continues through careful planning and responsible stewardship of available resources.”

Grant Administrator Cabrera provided an update on outstanding payments to artists and cultural performers, reporting that significant progress has been made this month, with $156,000 in payments made to artists from FY 2024 funding and another $46,000 in payments anticipated to be paid out within the next week or so .

“We have been working over the last several weeks to secure grantor approval on the remaining payments,” Cabrera reported. “One challenge we are facing is ensuring that evidence is provided to us from the Council for deliverables made or work performed for each artist. Proper documentation is always essential to support the payments, maintain accountability, and protect the integrity of the grant award. Any request for the draw down of funds must always be substantiated first with evidence of work performed.”

The Grants Management Office work focuses on ensuring that all required documentation and project deliverables are complete and comply with applicable grant requirements.

The meeting participants emphasized the importance of close coordination throughout the transition and committed to continue working together to address outstanding matters and establish an orderly transfer process that supports the Marianas arts and cultural community.

“We have recently re-established a sufficient number of board members to convene a quorum, and we will be meeting shortly to discuss some of the other larger projects pending board action,” said CCAC Acting Board Chair Duenas. “We welcome all partners to our board meeting - which will be publicly announced - for the latest updates.”

Prior to this month’s executive order, CCAC was a division of the Dept. of Community & Cultural Affairs for many decades.

“The preservation and celebration of our arts and culture benefit both our residents and visitors, and we look forward to a smooth transition of the council’s work from DCCA to the MVA,” said Secretary Rabauliman. “We anticipate that artists, cultural practitioners, and performers will continue to play an essential role in preserving the Marianas’ Far From Ordinary heritage, celebrating all art forms, and sharing our cultural identity with residents and visitors.”

The Commonwealth Council for Arts & Culture is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.