wan bel
wan bel
a PNG Collective Global Exhibition
commemorating Papua New Guinea’s
50th Anniversary of Independence
Wan bel: 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 Wan Bel: a PNG Collective Global Exhibition.
The Mariwai Project, alongside the National Museum and Art Gallery, Port Moresby and the PNG National Cultural Commission (NCC), both agencies of the PNG Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, engages these collaborations as part of PNG’s official 2025 national program: Celebrate our History, Inspire our Future.
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.”
James Marape,
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
A Global Exhibition
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 partner museums and institutions share 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 wan bel
Celebrate Our History,
Inspire Our Future
Wan Bel 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.
Future collaborations for our digital content for the independence celebration include the 4th National Art Exhibition at Crown Plaza Hotel, Institute of PNG Studies and National Museum and Art Gallery in Port Moresby.
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The title for the exhibition is Wan Bel, 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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Gain visibility as a key contributor to this historic celebration
Amplify public awareness of its PNG collections
Enhance intercultural dialogue
Contribute to the preservation of PNG's cultural heritage
Engage in cultural diplomacy and goodwill
Connect with other leading cultural institutions worldwide and strengthen international ties for future ventures
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This landmark initiative already includes over 30 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.
Wan Bel 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 partnerships, opportunities to showcase the work and sponsorships.
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.