The Third Edition of The Seychelles Art Festival was officially declared open on Friday night in a ceremony at the International Conference Center. Present at the ceremony was the Vice President Vincent Meriton, Ex-President James Mancham, the Speaker for the National Assembly Patrick Pillay, several Ministers, the Leader the for Government Affairs in the national assembly Charles Decommarmond, members of the National Assembly, other high officials and distinguished guests.
Different forms of art were being performed whereby artists and singers demonstrated Seychellois arts in all colors.
Telsy, Antoinette Dodin, Jean Marc Volcy, Joseph Sinon is just a few names of Seychelles popular artists that animated the show. The show was also live on the national television. The theme for this year Art Festival was Art Attack, and many of the performance reflected the theme whereby you could enjoy the sound of music just like a heartbeat either in the sound of a drum and other instruments.
The Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Idith Alexander declared the ceremony opened, “the event is the contribution and noble recognition of what artists does in our society and it also celebrates the creative mind of all our artists. Seychelles value the work of more than 600 artists who contribute to the vivacity of our Creole Identity, We recognize that they are a strategic national resource. They have an impact on our economy. They are catalysts towards social cohesion and our society’s well being. It is for this reason that we also show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work,” said Minister Alexander in her speech.
She continued by adding “that the artists touch the lives of each and every Seychellois. They touch the souls of those who listen to their words, are attentive to their rhythms, admire their creativity or contemplate their poetic verse. They put images to the unspoken feelings. They are guardians of our cultural heritage. They are also our ambassadors, both locally and internationally.”
Right after the Minister declared the ceremony opened a fusion of dance, poems, and songs light up the night where the invitees could admire several performances. The night continued with a musical show by various artists at the Ex- playground.