Ouagadougou: The Minister in charge of Solidarity and Family, Lieutenant Colonel P©lagie Kabr©/Kabor©, launched the arts market of the 22nd edition of the National Culture Week (SNC) on Monday, describing it as an economic lever to structure cultural industries. Alongside her colleague in charge of Culture, she officially opened the arts market, seen as a strategic instrument for promoting heritage and developing Burkina Faso's cultural sector economically.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the National Cultural Week (SNC) has gradually established itself as "a true melting pot for the promotion of cultural heritage, a platform for artistic expression, and a powerful lever for promoting Burkinab¨ identity." The minister emphasized that this event allows for the celebration of national cultural diversity while projecting it into the future.
As part of this dynamic, the arts market adds an economic and professional dimension to the event. "It is no longer just about celebrating culture, but also about organizing it, professionalizing it and positioning it as a sector with growth potential," she stated. The platform fosters exchanges between creators, producers, distributors, and partners, helping to transform cultural works into high-value economic assets. It contributes to the structuring of cultural and creative industries that generate jobs and income, particularly for young people.
The innovations introduced during this 22nd edition include training on streaming and digital platforms to improve the distribution of works, and masterclasses led by well-known figures such as Seidou Boro, Alif Naba, Kurbi Kuala, and Ouafa Belgacem. The roundtables dedicated to the circulation of artistic works in the space of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) also open up perspectives in terms of regional cooperation and mobility of artists.
Romaric Sanou, chairman of the visual arts commission, emphasized the importance of the quality of participants and artworks for the success of the art market. He praised the involvement of experts, partners, and prominent cultural figures, both nationally and internationally. He also highlighted the introduction of new initiatives such as B2B meetings, fundraising masterclasses, and agreements with cultural institutions and technical partners.
Alongside the launch of the arts market, the stakeholders visited the various works of visual art in competition.