By Yunus S Saliu
Considering the indispensability of partnership in the promotion of the artistic and cultural heritage, the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Friday, 13th January 2023 endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Senegambia Diaspora for Trade and Investment Promotion Ltd, Durham, UK to promote Gambian artists and cultural associations.
The signing of the MoU took place at the National Centre for Arts and Culture, Independent Drive, Banjul as Hassoum Ceesay, Director General of NCAC and Manjang Cham on behalf of Senegambia Diaspora Trading Investment Promotion Ltd jointly signed the MoU.
The signed MoU consists of nine articles which include the two organizations shall collaborate very closely in the promotion of Gambian artists and cultural associations; to cooperate in the Marketing of Gambian artistic and cultural products; support each other’s effort in their strive to entrench and maintain a strong cultural exchange between the Gambia and artists from other parts of the world; and The Senegambia Diaspora for Trade and Investment Promotion Ltd shall support the NCAC in areas of capacity building in archaeology, music management, lighting, sound technology, stage management and similar skills in short term bases such as workshops, master classes and seminars to help build capacity in these areas.
More so, the MoU will allow the two organizations to share relevant information that shall improve the technical capacity and skills of both institutions in the protection and preservation of the Gambia’s rich, musical and cultural heritage; within the framework of developing the cultural tourism, the two organizations shall strive to promote creativity and originality.
The MoU also stated that the two organizations shall collaborate in the research and documentation of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Gambia, the sub-region and rest of the world, promote festivals, music shows and fine arts.
Signing of the memorandum was witness officials of the NCAC, members of the Senegambia Diaspora for Trade and Investment Promotion Ltd, different members of Gambian artists and cultural associations.
The signed MoU will cover a period of two years after which it will be considered for renewal by the two organizations.