The meeting took place during the annual three-day international music market, Marché International du Disque et de l'Edition Musicale (MIDEM), where South Africa participated as country of honour, with special recognition given to South African music and artists.
During the 45 minutes of wide-ranging consultations, the two Ministers reviewed the current state of bilateral cultural cooperation, the rich, shared cultural history between the two countries and identified several new areas of cooperation.
The Ministers agreed to sign a programme of cultural cooperation for 2010 to 2012 as well as a new film co-production agreement. The three year programme of cooperation will focus on joint projects in the fields of music, protection of heritage, design, publishing, digitisation of culture and the translation of books and texts to make them more accessible. The emphasis will be on sharing ideas, information and experiences, skills and technology transfer, capacity building and creating sustainable institution to institution links.
The film co-production agreement will provide opportunities for the South African film industry to increase production, creating new partnerships and ventures, while recognising the skills and talent of the South African film makers, actors and film technicians.
The Ministers exchanged views on how to increase protection for the rights of artists. They considered the fast growing and increasingly free electronic distribution of music, books and other forms of artistic expression and the challenge this presented to the rights and income of artists and cultural practitioners. They agreed to discuss this with other international partners, and to look for creative ways to address issues of access and protection on a fair basis.
Minister Xingwana invited the French Minister and French public to visit South Africa during the coming 2010 FIFA World Cup, especially when South Africa and France play against each other.
Minister Xingwana and French Minister on behalf of the French government and people attended bestowed special recognition and French national arts and culture honours on prominent South African artists, Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu for their excellent and long-standing contribution to the global music industry.
The Minister referred to the significant impact of the musical contribution of these two South African artists, as well as the role they played in the cultural boycott and the role they continue to play in bringing South African musical influences to world.
Referring to South Africa’ high level presence in the MIDEM music market, Minister Xingwana said that South Africa’s participation created opportunities for South African artists to showcase their talent, to mingle with their peers, and for music business deals to be done, creating jobs and access to markets for South African artists.
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
24 January 2010
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za/)
