Members of the public will have the chance to enjoy an array of artistic work and performances during the Arts Festival set for August 30-September 2.

Speaking during a press conference last week, National Arts Council (Nac) chief executive Jimmy Savy said there will be a variety of activities which will encompass all art forms.

The festival will be launched at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) on August 30 but several activities will be held prior to the launch.

These will include workshops, an art lecture entitled ‘Seychelles in world art – from Marianne North to Du Jie’ by Pat Matyot and the launch of a poetry chapbook Voyaz san valiz at the National Cultural Centre.

An exhibition under the theme Latras mon penso will be officially opened on August 31, showcasing the works of various artists. The exhibition to be mounted at Kaz Zanana on Revolution Avenue will remain open until September 15.

Other activities on August 31 will include live musical performances at the Stad Popiler car park, and a musical show at the ICCS by well-known artist Philip Toussaint.

Poetry lovers can enjoy a quiet evening of poetry recital under the theme Lekritir lo lardwaz at the National Theatre, Mont Fleuri.

Local and international Djs will also get the chance to show off their skills in a Dj fiesta at the Upgrade discotheque in town.

The festival will also feature a book fair, street theatre and sketches which will all be held in an Arts Garden at the National Cultural Centre.

Members of the public will be able to read and buy books and magazines, interact with artists and other people in the garden, view and buy handicrafts items and enjoy a variety of refreshments.

Other activities during the week will include the launch of a photography exhibition entitled Klendey at the Carrefour des Arts, drama, musical shows, outdoor Dj fiesta, projection of short films and dance performances.

Models from Telly’s Modelling Agency will take part in a fashion show during a dinner to be held at Le Méridien Barbarons hotel on September 1. The paid event will cost R650 and will also feature jazz performances.

The festival will end with a classical and light music concert at the ICCS on September 2.
Mr Savy said several international artists will take part in the festival, but mainly in workshops, the Dj fiesta and exchange programmes.

An art exhibition will be mounted at La Réserve hotel on Praslin for artists on the island and on La Digue. The organisers have scheduled the activity for September 7 to give the artists of the two islands the chance to showcase their work, though it will be after the festival.

Mr Savy said this is because all resources will focus on the week-long festival. He added that the aim of the festival is to showcase the different talents and art works of the country and to give the population the chance to appreciate the many art forms in Seychelles.

“By showcasing these works we are also making the creative industry vibrant, credible and visible,” he added.

Mr Savy is urging individuals and organisations to help the council in this quest.
The festival will be held every two years and through this we will be able to see the evolution of art in the country, he said.

The next festival will be held in 2014 while an Arts Awards will be launched next year.
Also speaking at the press conference was Nac’s director for creative industries and special events Lydia Charlie.

Forrás: www.nation.sc