The Arts Council welcomes a delegation of community art managers and officials from South Africa on a study visit to Ireland from 29–31 January 2017
Edmund Mhlongo, the producer and renowned artistic director behind the Lion King production is one of six arts practitioners from South Africa visiting Ireland on a study trip which will focus on networking and sharing of practice with organisations such as Create, Arts and Disability Ireland, Tallaght Community Arts, The Ark and the LAB in Dublin.
All of Mhlongo’s productions have toured internationally to Ireland, England, Denmark and USA and he is passionate about his dream of developing communities through theatre. In 2003, Mhlongo built a community arts centre outside Durban called Ekhaya, a multi-purpose space for showcasing presentations and performances. The centre involves the community in radio drama and creative script writing, video production, film festivals, traditional arts and cultural activities and African arts.
During their visit, a reception will be held in Dublin City Council’s the LAB, which will be attended by staff from the Arts Council , the South African Embassy and The South African Department of Arts and Culture. The visit is part of a South African Department of Arts and Culture and EU-funded programme entitled Shukuma Mzansi! (Shake up the South), demonstrating their dedication to the revitalisation of the network of community arts centres around South Africa.
The delegation are looking forward to their visit coinciding with the Temple Bar Tradfest where they will see the Kilfenora Ceili Band. Following their visit to Dublin, the delegation will also visit community arts centres in France and Belgium. In February and March 2017, each participating EU country will send two delegates to a study trip and conference in South Africa on international cultural dialogue around community arts and venues.
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