Dispatch from Guam: A Visit from the National Endowment for the Arts highlights Arts, Culture, and Creativity

For more than 50 years, Creative West has worked to strengthen public support for the arts across the western United States, expanding access to resources, building networks for creative workers, and ensuring that cultural policy reflects the region that we serve. In 2022, that vision expanded significantly when Creative West formed a formal partnership with the U.S. Pacific jurisdictions—Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa—bringing these communities into the organization’s regional framework and into national conversations about arts funding, creative-sector development, and national program participation.

When Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the Hāʻawi Lahui no ka ʻOihana (NEA), headed to Guam this month, I was lucky enough to join her for what turned out to be a memorable and meaningful visit. It’s been well over 30 years since a chairman of the NEA made the trip to Guam, so the excitement and energy around her visit was palpable. As CEO of Creative West, it was a treasured opportunity to connect with Chairman Carter and our federal partners, as well as with the island’s vibrant arts community, spending time with remarkable legislative and cultural leaders who are keeping Guam’s cultural traditions strong, each in their own special ways.

We packed a lot into a few days. Alongside my Creative West colleague Sandy Flores Moylan and partners from the 'Aha 'o Guam ma ka 'Oihana Noi a me Humanities (CAHA), the delegation met with Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio and members of the Guam Legislature to talk about the current landscape for artists and cultural organizations—and how more groups across the island might tap into NEA and Creative West opportunities. We also discussed ways that Guam was helping to shape the upcoming America250 commemorations, making sure the island’s unique cultures and stories are part of that big national moment.

Many rewarding conversations also took place beyond government offices. We spent time with artists and cultural organizations across the island like the Guam Museum and Breaking Wave Theatre Company, connected with representatives from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Arts Council, and met with leaders from the U.S. military community to explore how arts programs can better serve service members and their families. One especially fun stop was the Guam finals of the NEA-powered Poetry Out Loud—watching young students deliver powerful performances reminded all of us why these programs matter. We wrapped up the week with a reception at Government House hosted by Acting Governor Tenorio, where artists, educators, and community leaders gathered to share ideas and stories. 

What struck me most throughout the visit was the incredible range and depth of creativity on Guam and the commitment to preserving, sustaining, and sharing CHamoru culture. It was a whirlwind few days, but also the kind of trip that reminds me how powerful partnerships can be when local, regional, and national leaders come together to advance the arts.

— Kalikiano Gaines