Mohalenyane Phakela
PIONEER Mall yesterday hosted the launch of the 16th edition of the annual Morija Arts and Cultural Festival.
Running from September 23-28, the festival has been an ongoing event celebrating Basotho culture and heritage while also highlighting modern trends. This year’s theme, “Re-Definition”, according to the Morija Museum curator, Stephen Gill, refers to the ongoing revision of the festival and cultural initiatives of the museum.
“Since 2007, it has been our aim as Morija Museum to develop continuous creative programmes which will have a larger impact, above and beyond the usual nationwide high school and primary cultural competitions held on annual basis,” said Gill.
Re-definition, Gill explained, means re-positioning, re-formulating, re-allocation of time, resources and energy to re-balance our efforts and move forward.
“The arts and entertainment scene are different from those of 1999 when the festival began as it is now more vibrant and diverse,” he said.
“The opening of the Morija Arts Centre in 2011 has allowed us to realise these dreams, but currently focusing on ceramic production using clay and glazes rather than imported material, thus, filling the void which has been left by Kolonyama Pottery.”
Gill also mentioned that Maeder House Gallery, which is adjacent to the Arts Centre, serves as a platform for artists and craftsmen to market their work and their recent partnership with the commercial hub, Pioneer Mall, will allow the artists to market their products effectively.
Unlike previous editions, the festival will not have music concerts and will only run for a week compared to the usual two weeks due to financial constraints. Instead, the focus this time around is on cultural competitions, film, theatre, fashion, poetry, art and craft activities.
On his part, the museum creative director, Mokhantšo Soldart, said the festival is meant to unite Basotho regardless of political affiliation, religion, colour, clan, gender or anything that might distinguish one from a larger collective, hence the motto “Kaofela Re Chabana Sa Khomo” meaning unity in diversity.
“This year’s festival themed Re-definition attempts to remind us all of the real reason for the annual celebration. It aims to re-define itself not only as an annual arts and cultural event but also as an event that continues throughout the year with smaller activities that will feed into the larger aspects of the festival,” said Soldart.
“Its mission is to magnify the creative activities that will take place this year, giving them enough recognition as they are of key importance in preserving our culture and heritage, especially among the youth,” she said.
Principal Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture Sam Rapapa officially launched by the fete.
“As the ministry of culture, we appreciate and support this initiative of Morija Museum in enhancing our culture,” Rapapa said. “It is, therefore, our duty to complement the good work that has been done for the past 16 years.”
Rapapa pointed out the need for a working forum to oversee the crafts industry, adding that it will be operational from November.
“We will also be bringing a specialist from the United States to train us on how to export our arts and crafts products to other countries while also abiding by the UNESCO convention of enhancing cultural heritage,” he said.
