The Seychelles Arts Festival 2012, showcasing the island’s true cultural richness of artistic expressions where artists promoted and marketed their activities to locals and visitors, was celebrated in Seychelles on August 29 through September 2. A first-class opening ceremony with all forms of artistic expressions - choreography, poetry, and songs - vibrated the Seychelles International Conference Centre (ICCS) on August 28 during a 2-hour cultural show official opening.

In the presence of Seychelles Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure; ministers; government dignitaries; and diplomats, Seychellois artists manifested their talents, highlighting one of Seychelles’ important facets - that of its cultural heritage. On stage were many of Seychelles’ well-known artists, and the master of ceremony ensured the smooth conduct of the show.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive of the National Arts Council, Jimmy Savy, who has rejuvenated the Seychelles Arts Festival, has said that the festival 2012 has been conceived to develop the work of arts, of the artists in all its forms, adding that Seychelles disposed available resources for artists to develop their creativity.

“The National Arts Council’s doors are open to artists who need support and guidance. Artists should take full advantage of the services offered by the National Arts Council. I appeal to artists to grasp the services offered by the National Arts Council, which have been tailored especially for them,” Savy said.

The Arts Festival was opened by Vice President Mr. Danny Faure. Special mention was made by the Chief Executive of the National Arts Council on his past artistic talents.

Opening the festival, Vice President Faure said that the Arts Festival is symbolical for Seychelles as it’s an “occasion for visitors and locals alike to pay tribute to the work of the artists.”

The week-long Arts Festival, featuring launching of exhibitions, poetry, a fashion show, and jazz session, to state a few, ended on Sunday, September 2, with an arts garden, book fair, storytelling, jazz entertainment, and projection of short films at the National Cultural Center.