MCB donates R90,500 in support of Arterial Network art projects |03 June 2017

Two art projects ‒ Affordable ARTerial Fair and Big Draw ‒ being undertaken by the Arterial Network Seychelles have received a financial boost of R90,500 from the Mauritius Commercial Bank.

The Affordable ARTerial Fair is to introduce art to the public by pricing artwork at a level which is generally affordable, while Big Draw is designed to invite young people to celebrate the universal language of drawing. Artists who showcase their artwork in the fair will also act as mentors for people who take part in the Big Draw.

The Big Draw is expected to take place in October while the fair is expected to be held in November.

During a short ceremony this week at the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) headquarters at Caravelle House, managing director Bernard Jackson handed over the cheque to Arterial Network Seychelles (ANS) chairman George Camille. This was in the presence of some bank personnel and ANS members.

After handing over the cheque, Mr Jackson stated that such projects by ANS will impact positively on the national cultural calendar.

“ANS has an enviable track record for planning and delivering significant projects in which all Seychellois can take pride, and which range from providing international exposure at the highest level for our artists exhibiting at the Venice Biennale, to domestic educational initiatives which have enriched the lives of hundreds of our young people,” Mr Jackson said.

Such monetary aid forms part of MCB’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions to society.

Mr Camille added that exposing young talented individuals to art can change their concept about art itself and also make them become more passionate about such an important element of our culture.

“We would like to thank the MCB for giving us the opportunity to enrich our cultural landscape through art. Arts can also be used as a gateway to combat a lot of bad influences and send a powerful message to the world, that it is important to protect our culture and identity. Young people are losing interest in art, we at ANS are trying really hard to bring back such an important aspect of our culture,” he said.