Pro Art Association moves to consolidate Culture as the base for Tourism Industry of Seychelles
Almasalla,Gate Arab Tourism News-The Creative Artists of Seychelles who are grouped under the Pro Art Association staged an Artistic Beach Activity at the Constance Ephelia Resort at the lovely Port Launay Beach on Sunday the 10th August.
The success of the first edition of the artistic fair held on the 31st May this year to support local artists has given added momentum to the Creative Artists in their drive to position Culture and Talent at the centre of the Seychelles Tourism Industry. The planning of this latest Artistic Beach Activity was discussed by the Pro Art Association and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and its National Arts Council at the National Cultural Centre where Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, his PS for Culture Benjamine Rose and the CEO of the National Arts Council Jimmy Savy assured the Pro Art Association Chairman Danny Sopha and his members of the Governments continued support for their Artistic Beach Activity.
Sunday’s Artistic Beach Activity that was staged in collaboration with Jean Marc Lagesse, the General Manager of the Constance Ephelia Resort and attended by Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture, Jimmy Savy, the CEO of the National Arts Council and Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organisation saw Keven Valentin and the SOKWE Band playing to entertain the crowd admiring the art works on display. Other known singers and musicians namely Claude Rene, Serge Oreddy, Donatien Madeleine, Collin Athanasius, George Agripine among others also took to the stage to animate the day’s beachside activity.
Alongside the Pro Art group many other artists that practice visual arts such as Golbert Nourice, Paul Gilbert, James Agricole, Robert Alexis among others were also present with a selection of their own works. Local Artisans with their Seychelles made products were also present and were given the opportunity to display their works for all to see.
When he took the podium to welcome everyone present to this Artistic Beach Activity, Jean Marc Lagesse the General Manager of the Constance Ephelia Resort confirmed his support as a Seychelles Resort to work with the Tourism Authorities in the development of tourism by putting culture in the forefront. Mr Lagesse said that he had heard the message passed at the Tourism Board’s Mid-Year Marketing Meeting when Minister St.Ange appealed to the local hospitality industry to embrace the Seychellois Creole Culture in their respective establishments and that the Ephelia Resort was ready to see more Seychelles Creole cuisine, music and local dancing introduced into the resort’s programme of activities and also entertainment.
Minister Alain St.Ange said when he was invited to address the event that together we were moving tourism forward. The Minister congratulated Pro Art for this initiative which he said would continue to receive the support and encouragement of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and of the National Arts Council. "Today we see Culture and Talent through the Creative Artists and supported by the Performing Artists taking its place as the centre display of our tourism industry. Yes we have the best of Sun, Sea and Sand Holidays, but that is just not enough any more. We needed more so launched the concept that tourism for Seychelles is now culture and experience. This approach brings joy and a sense of well being. We shall support our hotels and resorts who work with us to embrace the Seychellois Creole Culture as part and parcel of their entertainment and activities programme. On behalf of the Government I congratulate Pro Art and all the artists present for this initiative which Jean Marc Lagesse, the General Manager of the Constance Ephelia Resort is now already saying he wishes to it become a regular event at his resort. Let me also congratulate Mr Lagesse and the Team at the Constance Ephelia Resort for working with Pro Art, you are doing Seychelles proud said Minister St.Ange.
Danny Sopha, the Chairman of the Pro Art Association explained the drive by Pro Art to consolidate the development of creative art in Seychelles. Mr Sopha thanked all his Association Members present and said that this activity will now be a regular feature on his Association Calendar of Events.
When he spoke to the Press later in the afternoon Minister St.Ange said that it was not only his responsibility to be present at such an activity, but that it was also a duty for hims and for his PS to be supporting the artists who are coming forward to showcase Seychellois products. "Today is a scene best describe as Art for the People, By the People and With the People" Minister Alain St.Ange said.
