The Mariwai Project
Support The Mariwai Project’s 2025 Cultural Diplomacy Initiative
to The Metropolitan Museum in New York and Beyond
A delegation of Kwoma artists and culture leaders from Mariwai village will travel to New York to reunite with the ancestral Kwoma Ceiling at The Met, 50 years after it was commissioned by Douglas Newton and coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th year anniversary of National Independence.
This May 29–31, ceremonies will activate the reimagined Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, where the ceiling—originally created by 26 Kwoma artists—has been reinstalled with our direct input to honor clan hierarchies and Kwoma custom. Chief Mathew Kuarchinj, custodian of Tokimba, the twin spirit house to The Met’s Kwoma Ceiling, and a lead artist, will spearhead this homecoming, bridging past and present through Kwoma cosmology. Our presence in NY will include performance and public engagement alongside the other national delegations participating in the historic re-opening of The Met’s Rockefeller Wing.
The cost for one person to travel round-trip from Mariwai, Papua New Guinea to New York for a 7-day visit is approximately $7,000. This budget covers accommodations, transportation, meals, recreation, first-time passports and visa processing
Patron Tiers
Gifts in any amount are graciously accepted for the Kwoma Delegation’s budget and all donations will be acknowledged on our website.
Mariwai Friend $100 – $4,999
Help the delegation cover basic costs of travel
You will receive
• Recognition on The Mariwai Project website
• Invitations to public Mariwai Project events
Kina Shell Patron $5,000 – $9,999
Launch the journey for one Kwoma artist.
You will receive
• Original artwork, such as drawing on paper by a Kwoma artist
• Acknowledgment on The Mariwai Project printed materials
• Invitations to select public Mariwai Project events
Kundu Drum Patron $10,000 – $19,999
Deepen your engagement.
You will receive
• Original artwork, such as painting on paper by a Kwoma artist
• VIP access to presentations and events, including selected events at The Met
• Opportunity for tailored collaborations
• Private tour of the exhibition with the artists and founder of The Mariwai Project, exclusive access to artist workshop events.
Spirit House Patron (Headline Sponsor) $20,000 – $40,000
Be recognized as a key cultural patron.
You will receive
• Major original artwork, such as a painting on canvas or a small pangal by a Kwoma artist
• Prominent visibility across on The Mariwai Project materials
• VIP access to all events, including selected events at The Met, such as a private tour with the artists
• Cocktails or Lunch with the Kwoma
• Further Curated partnership opportunities
• Recognition by the PNG Government as a supporter of their 50th Anniversary Program
Sepik River Patron (Full Sponsor) $100,000
Join at the highest level of commitment and visibility.
You will receive
• Significant original artwork of choice such as a large pangal painting or canvas or net tapestry by a Kwoma artist- (commissions are possible)
• Top recognition across all of The Mariwai Project communications
• Recognition in writing by the PNG Government as a supporter of our 50th Anniversary of Independence Program and invitations to VIP events in Port Moresby Sept, 2026
• Exclusive experiences, including at The Met, such as a private tours with the artists and curators, priority attendance at artist workshops
• VIP dinner with the Kwoma delegation and key museum, government and embassy officials
• VIP travel opportunities to PNG, the Sepik River and Mariwai Village
• Acknowledgment as supporter for future PNG international projects such as the first ever PNG Pavilion at Venice Biennale.
Gifts of any amount are graciously accepted for the Kwoma delegation’s budget and all donations will be acknowledged on our website. We welcome one-time and monthly donations through our secure, online platforms. For larger donations please contact to arrange how to give in the most advantageous manner.
We invite your support for this landmark cultural exchange. All donors will be recognized and provided with tax-deductible receipts where applicable.
For further details regarding benefits of giving and exclusive access to the delegation and its partners, please contact - rachel@culturefile.org.
