Minister meets performing artists |20 September 2012

Artists who called on the minister recently included popular veterans Despilly William, Jean Ally and Joe Samy. It was the opportunity for Minister St Ange to inform them on a decision taken at the last management meeting of his ministry to oganise a series of public meetings for performing and visual artists, as well as with anyone with an interest in the works of the culture department, the museums, archives, libraries, the National Arts Council and the National Heritage Foundation.

“I have listened to many artists since my appointment as minister. They make time to visit me to discuss their own achievements and their career. I have listened to their aspirations and challenges.  At the last ministry's management meeting it was agreed that it was time for the ministry to hold a series of public meetings to hear from both performing and visual artists as well as anyone with an interest in our works," Mr St Ange said.

When he met the minister singer Despilly William informed him of a DVD music project he is currently working on entitled Bonjour Seychelles.

Basil Bouchereau on his part explained to the minister his drive to better represent artists as a registered agent.

Jean Ally presented the minister with two CDs of his latest works -- Sours Lanmour and Songs of Seychelles -- while Joe Samy took time to discuss the CD La Digue mon ile, je t'aimerai toujours which has been chosen by the La Digue Island Authority and tourism operators as their theme song for the promotion of La Digue.

“These are just the latest visits by performing and visual artists. But I have also met other music producers like Gilles Lionnet (El Manager) and the local performing rights (Sacs) committee members. Other artists have been more involved with the ministry's National Troupe and with the coming Creole Festival. My mandate from President Michel at my appointment was to find ways to unlock possibilities for all our artists - performing and visual. We feel we are ready to now change gears in our approach, but before doing that we need to enter the final stage of our consultative programme, which is why we shall be doing the series of public meetings in the coming weeks,” Minister St Ange said.