The newly redeveloped and rebranded Damodar Arts Village celebrated its grand opening on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of Fiji’s cultural landscape. This $20 million investment aims to transform Pacific Harbour into a vibrant hub for culture, lifestyle, and tourism.
Led by Damodar Yatulau Pte Limited, a joint venture of the Damodar Group and Yatulau Company Limited, the Arts Village introduces an array of new attractions and amenities designed to enhance the experiences of both visitors and local residents, as well as to stimulate economic growth through boosted tourism.
Dayanand Damodar, chairperson of Damodar Yatulau Pte Limited, emphasized that this project is not just about cultural revival but creating a meaningful destination. “We wanted to restore the spirit of the old Cultural Centre while creating a sustainable attraction that supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and the Pacific Harbour community,” he explained.
The newly renovated Arts Village features a replica of a traditional Fijian village, complete with a bure kalou, a chief’s bure, and an artisan bure. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy local performances, including meke dances and firewalking ceremonies by the celebrated firewalkers of Beqa, injecting authenticity into the cultural experience.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the Tiki Hut, which has been transformed from a basic bar into a diverse entertainment venue, along with the opening of the Starlight Cinema, further enriching the visitor experience. The managing company has extended an invitation for local businesses to engage with its boutique shops, craft outlets, and cafes, highlighting the project’s community-oriented approach.
The unfolding of this vibrant project is in line with a broader vision of revitalizing Fiji’s tourism sector and fostering economic opportunities, a sentiment echoed by local leaders and stakeholders in recent months. Previous discussions and initiatives have highlighted the importance of preserving the rich iTaukei culture while embracing modern advancements to appeal to tourists.
Further, the Arts Village project has been framed as a catalyst for renewed local employment, education, and creative expression, setting a benchmark for cultural-centric enterprises in Fiji. The partnership between the Damodar Group and Yatulau Company underscores a promising commitment to boosting the local economy while celebrating cultural identity.
As the Damodar Arts Village opens its doors, the prospects for strengthening Fiji’s tourism and cultural heritage grow brighter, offering hope for both the community and region. Initiatives like this reflect meaningful steps towards enhancing the visibility of traditional practices and fostering a sense of pride among the iTaukei people, ultimately nurturing a flourishing ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.