The South African Season in France came to a close last week
in Paris.
Between May and December this year, the multi-faceted
collaboration between the two countries hosted over 1,200 South African artists,
cultural heritage practitioners, academics, children and sportsmen.
The Season included a wide range of over 250 different
projects, performances and initiatives across 150 cities in France. Cultural
events, such as dance, music and literature, were combined with an array of
projects in other fields including innovation, science and technology,
education, business, tourism, gastronomy, sport and literature.
Undoubtedly, one of the Season’s highlights was the Mandela Exhibition: From Prisoner to
President which ran from May to July at the Hotel de Ville in Paris. The
Exhibition was extended to accommodate an attending record number of people at
the venue. During ‘Mandela Week’, and as part of the Season, the Eiffel Tower
was illuminated in the colours of the South African flag. To pay tribute to a
great icon, the inscription "NELSON MANDELA 1918-2013" lit up the
Trocadero facade in illuminated five metre-high letters, over the past 10 days
to celebrate his remarkable life.
This week saw the inauguration of the newly-named ‘Nelson
Mandela Garden’ in Paris on December 19. The naming ceremony was attended by Paul
Mashatile, South African Minister of Arts and Culture. “We are excited at the
impact the South Africa - France Season has had on the lives of a wide range of
South African participants, who took part. It has been not only a learning
experience but also a fantastic platform for them to showcase their talents to
an international audience. This initiative is contributing positively to the
realisation of our Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) goals of ensuring that the creative
industry plays a significant role in the economic development of our country.
We are thrilled that the Seasons has also strengthened the people-to-people
relations between our two great nations.
“When we started the South African Season in France earlier
this year, we did so as a tribute to those who fought for South Africa's
liberation. Ahead of our 20 years of freedom celebration in 2014, we were
honoured to share with the French public a special exhibition on the life of
the late great former statesman, Nelson Mandela.”
Bongani Tembe, Commissioner-General of the South African
Season in France concludes, "I count it an honour and a privilege to have
worked on the Seasons. There was much accomplished in terms of promoting our
culture to the French, and the number of positive opportunities that followed
for the South Africans was overwhelming.”
Addressing the French, Minister Mashatile added, “We are so
encouraged by the significant increase (16%) in French tourists visiting our
country. We hope the Seasons have given you all a glimpse into the arts,
culture and heritage that awaits you in South Africa. We look forward to
welcoming you to our beautiful land, long after the last Season’s performance.”
For more information visit
www.france-southafrica.com
or @nacsouthafrica https://www.facebook.com/nacsouthafrica
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