Arts and Culture Minister Mr Paul Mashatile will launch the South African leg of the Seasons, at an official ceremony on Wednesday, 17 April 2013 in Paris, France.
The France-South Africa Seasons 2012 and 2013 is a multifaceted bilateral collaboration between the two countries. Last year South Africa successfully hosted the French leg of the Seasons between July and November, with various events including exhibitions, performances, academic events and festivities throughout the country.
South Africa is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to be participating in this reciprocal national Seasons, which concentrates on culture and the arts but also includes sport, education, trade and the sciences.
The Seasons gives the peoples of the two countries an opportunity to better understand and appreciate each other’s rich and diverse art and culture. Equally important, South Africa’s participation allows local artists, culture and heritage practitioners a chance to showcase their work to a French audience and allow for collaboration with their counterparts in that country.
There has been an overwhelming response from South African artists for project funding for the Seasons and we are confident of staging a successful Season.
Wednesday’s Seasons launch is being hosted by the French Foreign Minister, Mr Laurent Fabius. Also attending the event is the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Mrs Aurelie Filippetti.
Date: 17 April 2013
Time: 16h00
Venue: French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 37 Quai d’Orsay, Paris
Please note:
For a live stream of the above mentioned media conference, please go to the link below: http://institutfrancais.tv/channel/evenements/evenement/saisons-croisees-france-afrique-du-sud-2012-2013/
The feed will be available in both languages.
Note to editors:
A media launch on the South African Season will be held in Johannesburg soon, details to follow.
Media enquiries:
Percy Mthimnkhulu
Cell: 082 389 2684
E-mail: PercyM@dac.gov.za
Lisa Combrinck
Tel: 012 441 3144
Cell: 082 821 4886
E-mail: LisaC@dac.gov.za
