Art exhibitions

The Festival has the ambition to make Segou into the Capital of Visual Arts. Segou has been since long the Bogolan town and counts as its own, some less known young talents, but also internationally well known artists such as Dolo Amahigueré. Therefore we can confidently say that the town is a reference in the field of Visual Arts and the Festival will ameliorate this status by creating an international meeting of visual artists.

• An international meeting of West African and Mexican artists in the « Korè » gallery at the quay of arts,

• A national meeting of Malian artistes at the « Malick« center,

• A photo exhibition of the revival of red earth architecture at the city hall of Segou,

• An exhibition of the famous Malian sculptor, Amahiguiré Dolo, in his new exhibition center « Anemy Sculpture »,

Tales and Legends from Segou

Tales occupy an important place in African cultures. They play a role in education, information, exchange and leisure, but also play a social role by approaching different generations and ensuring that important traditions and information are not list on the future generations of Malians.
 

Segou and its region have a rich history and culture, often transformed in a legend. Segovians (people from Segou) are rightfully proud of these tales.

The rich history of Segou, the epics of its grand personalities and its myths are told to the festival goers during an « Evening under the balanzan». Story-tellers, accompanied by musicians, actors and puppets bring Segou's past alive again under the Balanzan tree (the region's legendary tree).

Workshops

Workshops are an integral part of the Festival. By teaching craft techniques, the workshops will become a rich and concrete meeting place that permit craftsmen to encourage people to discover their trade and skills as well as to learn about local craft techniques. This type of initiative provides endless opportunities, among which are to develop genuine relationships, based on the exchange of knowledge and a sincere desire to begin to form the basis of understanding different cultures.

The Fair

The Craft and Agricultural Fair gathers various arts and techniques of the area on the Festival site. During one week the craftsmen and the transformers of agricultural products showcase their work and thus have a good opportunity to trade.

Resistance through Culture

Through this component, the Festival sur le Niger will invest more in sustainable development of culture, particularly with:
1. The organization of an arts contest (children and adults) and traditional braids;

2. A "Floating Conference" on the Niger River on the theme "Local Knowledge and Globalisation";

3. The mentoring and training of young talents (artists, musicians) through:

•  Selection and training of approximately ten young talents at the information and tourism center and the Korè Gallery for art exhibits (both managed by the Festival in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture;
• Organization of workshops with well-known artists (02/year) at the Korè Gallery;
• Organization of art exhibits (03/year) ) at the Korè Gallery;
• Development of Cultural Entrepreneurship;

4. Organization of two training sessions with traditional groups on innovations;

5. Anthropological Research on traditional troupes.