TONGA'S new Cultural Heritage Exhibition, 'Kava Kuo Heka' was launched by the Hon. Lupepau'u Tuita at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre on July 27.

The four-day exhibition displays the work of Tongan artists, along with cultural performances, workshops and lectures on the performing arts, the traditional art of sinnet binding, and ancient navigation tools and knowledge.

The exhibition is hosted by the Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture in collaboration with UNESCO and the Tonga Traditions Committee.

Hon Lupepau'u in her opening address emphasized the importance of the festival and highlighted the need to further encourage, promote and protect the Tongan cultural heritage values.

Tongan artists whose work is on display included Filipe Tohi, a highly acclaimed artist and sculptor based in New Zealand, whose NikoNiko wooden sculpture is on centre stage at the exhibition.

Other artists include paintings made from fibre, mat and tapa cloth by Tevita Pola'apau, canvas paintings by 'Eseta 'Aholelei and Maryan 'Aholelei and contemporary island creations by Moana Guttenbeil a fashion designer.

The exhibition held as part of the King's birthday celebrations on August 1 was also attended by foreign diplomats, teachers and school children.

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