Bobo-Dioulasso, The Southwest region is present at the 20th edition of the National Culture Week (SNC) Bobo 2023 with 112 artists taking part in the various competitions. In an interview granted to the AIB, this Friday, in Bobo-Dioulasso, the regional director of Culture, Arts and Tourism of the Séraphine Somé/Millogo region discusses their preparations and expectations.
Burkina News Agency: Which artists represent the Southwest at the 20th edition of the National Culture Week (SNC) Bobo 2023?
The Regional Director of Culture, Arts and Tourism of the South-West Séraphine Somé née Millogo
I took 112 artists from the South West. There are all categories. At the Performing Arts level, there are 9 artistic groups. We have an orchestra, a traditional dance group, a traditional instrumentalist group, a traditional song star, a ballet with children, slam, a popular choir, etc.
We also compete in culinary arts with three people and traditional sports including archery and traditional wrestling. The preparation took place with the support of the provincial directors who went to meet the artists to inform them of the rules of procedure of the Grand Prix national des Arts et des Lettres, to give them advice on stage occupation, choreography , synchronization, etc.
At our level at the regional directorate for culture, over the past two years we have organized training in choreography with the support of professionals in the field and we ensure coordination. As soon as the 20th edition of the SNC was announced, the governor also got involved in the organization, in particular to facilitate the transport of artists, manage the financial aspects, security and transport. He supervised everything from our departure from the region to Bobo-Dioulasso so that everything went well.
We also benefited from the support of the presidents of special delegations who facilitated the movement of artists from their localities of residence to the regional capital. They were also able to acquire instruments and accoutrements for the artists.
SK: How do you judge the 20th edition?
Séraphine Somé/Millogo: This is one of the best editions. There has been a lot of improvement. We are nearly 40 years into organizing the event and it is getting better and better. For this edition, we had innovations especially in terms of tourism, the artists appreciated a lot. Housing conditions have also improved, at least as far as we are concerned. There is also accessibility to the organizers, it is to their credit. The artists also performed well.
SK: What are your expectations of the results?
Séraphine Somé/Millogo: We are confident. We know that there are criteria on the basis of which the winners will be declared. However, one wonders how one can appreciate the enhancement of cultural heritage when all cultures are equal as long as they highlight humanity. The difference will certainly be in the details because we have seen quality services. At the regional level, there was a very serious selection and I think that everyone who is here deserves to be there. The juries will proclaim the winners but those who will not be awarded will not be demerited because the very fact of being there is a success. All those who worked, brought something, they contributed to the enhancement of their cultural heritage.
Source: Burkina Information Agency