Inauguration of Carrefour des Arts-New Art Gallery to foster cross-cultural dialogues – VP Belmont |10 December 2005

Vice-President Belmont said that the central location of the new gallery, next to the National Library building, is also meant to promote the sale of art works for both local and international market, in addition to providing easy access for those who is passionate about Seychellois art.

The ceremony to officially inaugurate the Carrefour des Arts, as the gallery as been named, was attended by President James Michel; the Minister for Local Government, Sports and Culture, Sylvette Pool; other government ministers; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Francis MacGregor; members of the National Assembly; members of the diplomatic corps and a large number of artists. 

The R1.5 million gallery complex houses three exhibition halls – two for professional artists and another one for the young ones, a cafeteria, a ticket room, a CD shop which will sell local CDs and a shop which will sell materials and equipment for artists.

The project, partly funded by the government and Unesco (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), follows President Michel’s promise, while launching last year’s Arts Festival, to facilitate, develop and promote the contemporary arts.

Stating that the government has over the years done its utmost to promote art on our islands, “to bring to light the culture of our nation and to showcase our achievements both local and international”, Vice-President Belmont said that the gallery will be a great asset for the artists and the nation as a whole.

Vice-President Belmont said that by having the work of many artists all under one roof will be much appreciated by the visitors who nowadays have to travel long distances and many places to find their needs.

Stating that our culture is exceptionally rich and at times the manifestations have not been performed in a professional and consistent manner, Vice-President Belmont said that the new gallery will provide our artists, in particular the young emerging talents, to pay more attention to their work and to refine their production for sale to the public.

Vice-President Belmont said that the gallery will also help to foster the coming together of artists, audiences, collectors, curators, students as well as passers-by.

Vice-President Belmont also called on all artists to take the various opportunities provided by the gallery to join together in developing a coherent approach to the work of art.

“We could all be different in what is produce and how we may see the world around us but we simply cannot fight against each other or be jealous of the achievements of others,” he said.

Stating that Seychelles has managed to produce young artists who are performing in Europe under the Sony label and others who are displaying their works in Europe and American galleries, Vice-President Belmont assured Seychellois artists that the government will continue to provide all possible forms of assistance to the Arts Council to promote the artists and to showcase their creations.

To be able to achieve that, Vice-President Belmont said, the artists must be committed and consistent in always having the urge to perform better in increasing sales and in enhancing their names and the name of Seychelles throughout the globe.

In her opening remarks, the National Arts Council chairman, Marja Karjalainan, said that the inauguration of the gallery represents a positive and practical initiative for artists and audiences.

Ms Karjalainan highlighted some of the council’s work and outlined the new direction it intends to take in the near future to continue to offer a more substantial service to artists and the general public.

Following the ceremony all those present were invited on a tour of the gallery where 72 paintings by 36 artists are already on display.