Minister Discusses East African Culture & Arts Festival with Diplomats from the Region
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has proposed for East African Cultural and Art Festival to be hosted in rotation among countries in the sub regions annually.
Authorities are preparing to host a festival that will display art and cultures of countries from the horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region next month.
They are also keen for the festival, scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa’s friendship park next month, to continue to be an annual event.
The Ministry of Sport and Culture proposed the idea during a meeting with Addis Ababa-based diplomats of countries from the region on Friday.
The proposal seeks for the nations in the sub-region to showcase their art and culture on an annual basis, with each participating side to stage the festival on a rotation basis.
Kejela Merdasa, Culture and Sports Minister, said art and culture could catalyze socio-economic development and integration of Africa. The proposed multi-cultural and art festival aims at bringing that among the countries in East African nations, he added.
During Thursday’s meeting, the participating diplomats lauded Ethiopia for taking the initiative to host the event.
The festival would include exhibitions, music, art, cultural performances, book fairs, and film programs.
Apart from promoting culture and arts, the spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, Dina Mufti said the event aims to forge people-to-people ties in the region.
