National Culture Fund launched By Patrick Joubert |17 April 2023
The Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (Snicha) has officially launched the Seychelles National Culture Fund aimed at providing partners and philanthropists locally and abroad with a means of contributing to the preservation and protection of art forms that promote our culture and heritage.
The fund was launched by the secretary general of Snicha, David Andre, during a cocktail dînatoire and cultural entertainment hosted by the institute at State House on Saturday evening.
In attendance were President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif and wife Stella Afif, Designated Minister Jean François Ferrari, Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, ministers, cultural partners and philanthropists among other guests.
The fund to be administered by the institute through the Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Trade will allow for partners and philanthropists to participate in projects that will benefit the society and communities.
Some examples of projects the culture institute will be undertaking requiring funding are the setting up of the maritime museum, biennale exhibitions, creation of a national collection of art works, National Library IT equipment and literary works and support of events, programmes and activities for the transfer of intangible cultural heritage that will benefit communities.
In his address, Mr Andre said we need to support our country’s culture, heritage and arts because they are fundamental to humanity, our inspiration in fostering creativity, empathy and beauty, including from our relief from stresses of everyday life, in addition to its intrinsic values, culture provides important social and economic benefits.
“Seychelles, through our cultural diversity, has brought us to live harmoniously as a creole nation. Further emphasising the need to nurture this unique cultural heritage, to identify ourselves with others, deepen our sense of unity and our sense of belonging and national pride, the list goes on,” said Mr Andre, who noted that cultural and creative sectors, which are at the heart of the creative economy, are very important for ensuring the continued development of societies and enriching social capital.
He stated that world-wide trend analysis have shown that culture institutions and governments will never be able to cover all financial needs of cultural and creative sectors and therefore investing in creativity and becoming an art philanthropist and advocate is imperatively important given that in today’s economy the ability to attract and retain human creative talent is the key to economic growth.
“We look forward to partnering with you and thank you for your generous support in promoting the enjoyment and preservation of our cultural heritage and the arts,” he said.
Delivering a message for the occasion, President Ramkalawan said that we need to continue to celebrate our creole culture by liberating ourselves to enjoy and appreciate what was brought down to us by our ancestors since the days of slavery.
He added that was the reason why, since October 2020 when he took over the helm in the high office in the land, which is a national cultural monument, where the most important decisions are made and which furthermore, also belongs to all Seychellois, he decided to open it to the public so that people get interested and enjoy our culture and feel engaged.
“I am amazed by the number of Seychellois I met during their visits at State House who said it was their first time. This is a problem. I think all Seychellois should be able to come and visit State House and they are welcome to see the building and the surrounding place,” said President Ramkalawan.
He thanked all who will be contributing to the fund and said he hoped that the Snicha will be able to interest many people, especially the youths, to be empowered and to enjoy our creole culture in liberty, respect, peace and love.
Some people who spoke to Seychelles NATION on the National Culture Fund initiative said it is a good idea which, through the various projects, people will get a sense of awareness of our culture and celebrate together as a creole nation.
“I think it is a very good initiative and to those who will contribute it will mean a sense of belonging and patriotism,” said entrepreneur Wilson Nancy.
“I think it is a very good idea but what is left to see, after getting finances, if there will be a change in the way culture is manifested in the country. This is all I am interested about but one has to also realise that if you do not get financial support you cannot move forward,” said businessman Robert Marie.
The cocktail dînatoire of creole culinary delicacies was to thank Snicha partners and philanthropists for their past and continued support towards the country’s culture, heritage and the arts.
Guests were also able to view an exhibition of art and craft works that were on sale, as well as watch four local artists and two arts and craft ladies creating their work live.
There was also cultural music and dance performances.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the evening.
