Karawari Cave Arts Fund
The Karawari Caves Art Fund is an organisation that works to explore and conserve one of the largest art complexes in the world – a collection of 300 caves in Papua New Guinea. They are dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of this cave system and the sacred forest site that surrounds it.
At A Glance
- Programme: Melanesia
- Years Funded: 2014, 2022, 2024, 2025
- Geographic Focus: Oceania, Papua New Guinea
- Website: https://karawaricavearts.com/
Located in the heart of Papua New Guinea, a collection of 300 caves, dating back over 20,000 years, contains evidence of human habitation – making it the largest cave art complex in the Southern Hemisphere. The caves are owned and inhabited by some of the last semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer groups, including the Alamblak/Geijo, Ewa, and Penale tribes. These communities are facing imminent threats from commercial logging and encroaching developers.
In response to the risk of displacement and destruction of this cultural site, the Karawari Caves Art Fund (KCAF) is working closely with local communities to establish land rights and train local leaders to lead conservation efforts as a sustainable alternative to destructive projects. Led by indigenous ethnographers and cave guardians, their work ensures the preservation of Papua New Guinea’s irreplaceable stories and artworks for future generations.
Currently, KCAF is advocating for the establishment of a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage status. This initiative aims to safeguard the caves as well as to protect the ancient forests that sustain the local custodians’ way of life. Rich in diverse plant and animal species, these forests serve as a reminder that ecological and cultural conservation are intertwined.
Cave art in Justin’s cave. © Nancy Sullivan & Associates