Friday, August 28, 2009

A Rotating Culture Capital for Africa?

Mike van Graan has written an interesting article on the cultural capitals in Europe, America and the Arab world. The intention is to showcase the cultural life and development of the city for one year. It is used to promote integration and co-operation getting to know and respect the heritage of each other. Participating cities have found benefits in terms of tourism, cultural development, image-building, infrastructural growth, the attraction of skilled citizens to the city and sparking new enterprises. This issue will be discussed at the World Summit on Arts and Culture to be held in September.

Sounds good to me. I think that our arts community needs a boost like this. As South Africa is constantly building itself into a tourist destination, it looks like a win-win situation for all. Just imagine full houses at the theatres! It will also open links with the rest of Africa.

Our thoughts and comments on performances and the performing arts in the Western Cape, South Africa.