wanbel
wanbel
a PNG Collective Global Exhibition
commemorating Papua New Guinea’s
50th Anniversary of Independence
Wanbel: Connecting Papua New Guinea heritage
across the World
Commemorating
Papua New Guinea’s
50th Anniversary of Independence
In anticipation of Papua New Guinea's historic milestone commemorating the Nation's 50th Anniversary of Independence on September 16, 2025, we extend an invitation to selected museums and cultural institutions to come together for WanBel: a PNG Collective Global Exhibition.
The Mariwai Project, in partnership with the PNG Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and its agencies the National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby and the PNG National Cultural Commission (NCC), engages these collaborations as part of PNG’s official 2025 national program: Celebrate our History, Inspire our Future.
Over the next year participants will hold tailored exhibitions, educational events and workshops in their own spaces and share digital learning resources. The public will benefit from expanded access to rare objects, talks, creative labs, family days, and more, creating the largest and most inclusive global exhibition of PNG art ever assembled for millions of visitors worldwide
PNG's exceptional arts, traditions, and cultural artifacts reflect our diverse heritage. As we mark half a century of independence, we illuminate PNG's cultural legacy and honour the artists and the cultures from which they originate.
“As we prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our nation’s independence, it is imperative that we showcase the rich cultural heritage and artistic talents of papua New Guinea to the world. Our art is a vibrant representation of our history, diversity and identity, and it deserves recognition on a global stage…Let us seize the opportunity to elevate Papua New Guinea’s standing in the global arts community whilst instilling pride in our citizens.”
Hon. James Marape,
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Discover Our Participants
“Making the collections accessible is a central concern of our museum. Their charisma and historical relevance must be highlighted in equal measure. Wan Bel is a wonderful initiative for this and makes it possible to address the colonial history and difficult legacy that connects Papua New Guinea and Germany. At the same time, it opens up opportunities for participation and new perspectives on the poignant beauty and cultural significance inherent in these objects.
I would like to thank the initiators for the honour of being included in this way in the celebration of the independence of this diverse country. This is linked to the hope that this project will create connections and provide insights into a future of jointly reshaping the way we deal with Papua New Guinea's cultural heritage, including in global contexts."
Prof. Dr. Barbara Plankensteiner, Director MARKK Hamburg
Ambum Stone c.3000 BCE, courtesy
National Gallery of Australia
Bringing the Exhibition Home to PNG
We envision a groundbreaking digital initiative that brings the world's collection of PNG’s artistic treasures back to the heart of PNG communities.
A curated, PNG community-centred immersive digital installation is in development. This harnesses the power of large-scale outdoor media and billboards, and projections onto architectural surfaces and natural landscapes.
Accessible and impactful, it offers PNG residents an unprecedented opportunity to engage with their worldwide artistic legacy in their everyday environments.
Invited participating museums and institutions contribute by sharing digital archives to allow for the display of a range of objects suitable for broad public accessibility. This approach democratises access and enhances inclusivity, education, and engagement among local and international audiences.
About wanbel
Celebrate Our History,
Inspire Our Future
“WanBel is a catalyst for future endeavours and international collaborations between Papua New Guinea and the participating institutions. The exhibition is committed to the creation of new alliances between the custodians of PNG arts and culture, and respect for the original sources of these international collections.”
-Shiva Lynn Burgos International Representative and Arts Envoy for Papua New Guinea. Founder, The Mariwai Project.
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The title for the exhibition is WanBel, a Tok Pisin phrase for community spirit, literally “one belly.” The exhibition features:
Object highlights and major exhibitions
Digital immersion
Collection research and archives
Education programs, talks, tours, and films
Cultural exchange initiatives
A common digital platform serves as the central hub for this global initiative, showcasing highlighted objects and activities worldwide. This coordinated effort creates a cohesive narrative that amplifies our collective impact through unified press, public, and social media outreach.
Participating museums contribute key elements to this platform, including digital learning resources such as high-quality images, videos, and 3D scans of their chosen artifacts, along with cross-links to their social media channels to facilitate and magnify effective audience engagement worldwide.
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Celebrating the world's great collections from PNG with lasting significance.
Increasing public knowledge of PNG’s unique artistic diversity and sharing our stories with wider audiences.
Safeguarding and sharing PNG’s cultural wealth for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Advancing cultural diplomacy and goodwill that strengthens international relationships.
Building connections amongst leading cultural institutions worldwide, creating opportunities for future collaboration and growth.
Engaging directly with the source communities to help define and amplify the contexts and purpose of object collections.
Re-imaginining the future of collections in terms of aesthetics, technology, conservation and accountability.
Strengthening intercultural dialogue to evolve understanding and respect among communities.
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This landmark initiative already includes over 40 international museums from 12 countries to showcase PNG’s rich cultural heritage through their collections of PNG art and artifacts representing most of the major holdings of PNG art and objects outside of PNG. Collectively, this is the largest exhibition of PNG art ever presented —a fitting tribute to mark our 50th anniversary of independence!
We are proud to announce several Embassies, and High Commissions have committed to engaging and supporting this celebration of PNG’s cultural legacy.
WanBel not only commemorates PNG’s Golden Jubilee but also lays the foundation for future international collaborations, resource sharing and cultural diplomacy. It strengthens ties between PNG and global cultural institutions while preserving and celebrating our nation’s unique cultural identity for generations to come.
We welcome participants, contributors, sponsorships and partnerships to create opportunities to showcase PNG’s culture.
Participation in the exhibition is free, including the related digital activities online and in PNG, but each institution is responsible for the modest costs involved in their own display and public program. We provide films, including 360 VR films, and resource other materials that enhance public and educational programming.
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