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Gaborone – The decline in the number of artists who participated in President's Day competitions this year was described as a positive development.
Speaking at the awards ceremony on July 17th. Sport, culture and development Thapelo Olopeng said the reduced numbers showed that competitions had had a positive impact on artists' livelihoods
"Only 14,813 participants registered for the President's Day competitions. this year, taking into account that in 2008 the participants were 3,274, "he said.
Explaining, Mr. Olopeng stated that the decline was due to the fact that artists were developing and going out of competition to give new entrants a chance. in keeping with the mandate of his ministry for the arts, they have cultivated the field so that winners can enter the international arena as owcase Botswana culture, music and dance.
"Our artists are often invited to popular exhibitions and festivals around the world through our friendly cultural exchanges with international and bilateral partners
The ministry was able to fund some of these missions in as much as possible, according to our means, "he said.
He stated that the awards ceremony was the result of a program of events undertaken for several months. Minister Olopeng thanked President Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi for honoring the occasion and the support given to the ministry, which he said helped to grow the arts across the country.
As an artist himself, the president has plans to grow the arts sector for the benefit of the economy and he has since asked my department to work with other departments to develop this sector. He said, expressing gratitude for the immense support President Masisi gave to the arts
He noted that at the beginning of the competitions in 2008, the goal was to unearth and to celebrate the diversity of Botswana's cultural heritage, adding that the mission had been accomplished
provided a platform for Batswana artists of all ages to showcase their skills and talents and participate in the event. economy while gaining the
"I congratulate all practitioners of arts and culture.
With over 59 categories, each with a winner, various dignitaries presented prizes to those who won first place. Included Best Seperu, Best Sebirwa, Best Setapa, Best Polka, Best Dikhwaere, Best Backgraack Artist, Best Segaba Artist, Best Katara, Best Comedian, Best Dj, Best Live Newcomer, Best Gro Drama Best Drawing, Best Painting and Best Female Model between other.
The first family as well as Minister Olopeng also had the chance to present some awards among the legendary John Selolwane's recipients for the best mentorship (performing arts).
Bra John, as he is popularly known among jazz lovers, is credited with influencing not only local artists, but also those with whom he has worked internationally, including Hugh Masekela and Ray Phiri
Bathusi Lesolobe (Best Play Writer), Amantle Brown (Best Production of Music Clips), Karabo Molema (Best Video Production), Prika Makosha (Best National Show), Tumelo Malwetse (Best Show – National Basket and Craft ) and Selimilwe Ntwe (Best Mentorship – Visual Arts) were also presented by President Masisi, First Lady and Minister Olopeng
The theme of this year's competitions was Creative Industries, a Vehicle for Sustainable Development.
Source: BOPA
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