Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile today accompanied President Jacob Zuma and his visiting French counterpart, Francios Hollande to a wreath laying ceremony at Freedom Park. The ceremony at Freedom Park is part of the French President's two day state visit to South Africa. In the picture above, both Presidents are seen signing the Freedom Park guestbook.
Earlier today President Hollande and his delegation were officially welcomed to the country by President Zuma and his executive, at the Union Buildings. Bilateral agreements between South Africa and France, has led to partnerships across various fields including Arts and Culture.
The South Africa Season 2013 is currently underway in France. It began earlier this year and ends in December, during that time more than 800 South Africans, including artists, academics and sportsmen, will be involved n bringing a touch of South Africa to France.
Between May and December, in about 100 towns across France, highlighting the diversity of South Africa, the Season will include in the region of 250 dance and theatre performances, 100 musical concerts, 50 films, 40 residencies, 35 workshops, 30 exhibitions, and 150 South African wines will be available for the French to taste.
South Africa is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to participate in the reciprocal Seasons. In line with the Department of Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy strategy, it aims to raise the profile of the arts, culture and heritage sector within the country and abroad, in an effort to create jobs, open up new markets and build sustainable livelihoods for those in the creative industries.
Last year South Africa hosted the French Season, which saw over a hundred events held across the country.
