Russia SA Cultural Seasons return to South Africa
The second-leg of Russia SA Cultural Seasons kick-starts at the Durban playhouse on the 28th November 2017 with the Oleg Lundstrem Jazz Orchestra of Russia and at the Communio Auditorium in Mbombela on the 29th November 2017.
The South African leg in Russia was held on 14 -15 November 2017 in St Petersburg, Russia where the Braai Master Judge, Chef Benny Masekwameng and the Top Chef Judge, Chef Lesego Semenya conducted master classes and presented South African dishes to the audience and food critics. Renowned South African artists, Simphiwe Dana and Wouter Kellerman with the enchanting Vuyani Dance Company led by Lulu Mlangeni gave a stunning performance at the Leningradsky Youth Palace.
The first-leg of the cultural season was held in 2016 in both countries. The aim of the programme is to create a platform to expose SA creative sector globally, strengthen cultural relations with other countries and expand cultural trade and tourism.
The Government of South Africa and the Russian Federation signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of arts and culture on 29 April 1999. The agreement was ratified in 2008. Subsequently, the two countries signed a programme of cooperation during the BRICS summit held in South Africa, 2013.
“As South African government we have taken a deliberate attempt to have these cultural seasons with BRICS member countries. People are really interested on what Africa and South Africa has to offer. The seasons is platform that has made it possible for us to engage and share cultural relationship with other countries. It is about strengthening people-to-people relations because the minute I understanding you we can take our relationship and transact it into business. It is about making art forms business, it is not just about entertainment,” DDG Arts and Culture, Kelebogile Sethibelo
It is envisaged that the partnership with Russia will lead to greater trade, access to new markets and thus contribute to the growth of our cultural and creative economy
For more information, please contact:
Zimasa Velaphi
E-mail: zimasav@dac.gov.za
Cell: 072 172 8925
Teresa Magidela
E-mail: TeresaM@dac.gov.za
Cell: 066 302 5401
