Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while hosting the special VIP visual display celebrating plans for the Fijian National Gallery of Contemporary Arts [Source: Fijian Government]

Fiji is a country where the art sector is at a young state and local artists at times face challenges to have their own space.

While hosting the special VIP visual display celebrating plans for the Fijian National Gallery of Contemporary Arts at Victoria Parade, Suva, Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says it is vital for the Government to provide a space for local artists to express themselves.

“We are trying to create a space not just in visual arts but also in music , dance and even literature for that matter, and allow our young Fijians to participate in that area. We are trying to create a space where people feel safe and are able to express themselves.”

The building in which the gallery is planned to be housed at is the St Steven’s Building in Suva, which was first built in 1917.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum [right] during the special VIP visual display celebrating plans for the Fijian National Gallery of Contemporary Arts [Source: Fijian Government]

It’s an ambitious plan to finally resolve some of the issues our local artists have been facing for decades.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the gallery is expected to be opened by 2020.