AU dedicates 2021 to arts & culture

Harare, (New Ziana) – The African Union (AU) said on Tuesday it is dedicating this year to the promotion of African arts, culture and heritage, highlighting its importance as a catalyst for the socio-economic development and integration of the continent.

In line with this, the AU will hold its forthcoming Summit from February 6 and 7, under the theme, “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.”

“Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want,” is an important theme and goes hand in hand with the whole movement for the institutional reform of the Union, “as culture is the main marker of identity and through it we know who we really are,” said AU Commission chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Africa is universally recognised for its rich arts and cultural diversity.

“Expressions of culture are abundant within Africa, with large amounts of cultural diversity being found not only across different countries but also within single countries,” the AU said.

“Consequently, the African Union (AU) has recognised the role arts, culture and heritage can play as catalysts for the socio-economic development and integration of the African continent.”

While African heritage is seen on the moral values, African culture is expressed in among others, its arts and crafts, folklore and religion, clothing, cuisine, music and languages.
New Ziana