Nelson Kokoa is helping young people, including secondary school students, build confidence and strengthen critical thinking skills through the performing arts.
As a co-founder of a non-government organisation, Art Activism PNG, Nelson uses creative expression to amplify the voices of the young people across Papua New Guinea.
Although he holds a Bachelor of Chemistry, Nelson has always been passionate about the arts and supporting young people to communicate and engage on social issues that affect their communities.
Art, in all its forms, provides a powerful platform for storytelling and raising awareness of issues such as climate change, corruption, and other social challenges.
“Art is very important to reach one of the national goals and directive principles, which is integral human development. It helps not just build confidence but also develop critical thinking. And what we do in the arts is allow people to practice that skill,” Nelson said.
Nelson is also a member of the Moresby Arts Theatre, where he mentors Grade 9 students from schools across the National Capital District.
The youth arts program is an annual, five-week initiative that provides secondary school students with training in the performing arts. In 2025, 750 Grade 9 students from 15 schools participated in the program. The students presented 20 performances that showcased creativity and original responses to issues affecting their everyday lives at school, at home and in their communities.
De La Selle Secondary School received the award for Best Play for its performance, Voices in the Void, which explored how people can communicate their thoughts, even in silence.
Recent infrastructure upgrades at the Moresby Arts Centre, including a new rehearsal hall funded through an Australian Incentive Fund grant, have enhanced the Centre’s capacity to deliver workshops and skills development for young people interested in pursuing the performing arts.
At the opening of the upgraded facilities, Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said the Centre’s improvements would provide new opportunities for emerging talent and strengthen Papua New Guinea’s performing arts sector.
The upgraded facilities provide a safe and spacious venue for Moresby Arts Theatre members and the public to attend theatre performances, pottery classes, movie nights and monthly craft markets.
