President James Michel attended the official opening exhibition entitled “The State House in portrait”, held this afternoon at the Carrefour des Arts in Victoria.

The ceremony was also attended by Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure, Ministers, Executive Board members of the National Arts Council, Chairpersons of Arts Associations, Art Collectors, Friends of the Art and other invited guests.

“ I have seen some beautiful works of art today which portray the State House in a unique way. Our young people are very talented and should be encouraged to continue developing their artistic abilities. The National Arts Council should so more to encourage artists to exhibit their works more often, as this will enrich our cultural life and give them the opportunity to promote their work,” said President Michel following the exhibition.

This exhibition was organized to promote the artwork produced last year for the 100th anniversary of the State House whereby through a series of art days, painters and photographers captured their vision of the State House and its gardens.  Seven Professionals and eleven semi-professional painters, photographers as well as a group of art students from the School of Visual arts had showcases their final works through this exhibition.

During his opening remarks the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange said that in the Strategic Plan of the Department of Culture, launched in May 2011, reference was made to the active involvement, and of active participation of the youth of Seychelles in the cultural, and in the artistic development of our country.

“This was a reflection of your stated policy Mr. President. It is pleasing to note therefore, that through the outcome of today’s exhibition, this stated objective is being achieved.... [this exhibition] will not only on this day in history, give this majestic building the honour and the respect it deserves, but it will also immortalize this infrastructure onto paper, so as to captivate a moment in time. In the near, and in the distant future, the photographs and the paintings being exhibited here today, will surely become important visual records, and capturing this instance, as it stands at present as part of the process  to preserve history for our succeeding generations”, said Mr. St.Ange.

Mr. Jimmy Savy, Chief Executive Officer for the National Arts Council had thanked all artists, Ms. Benjamine Rose, Principal Secretary for Culture and staff from National Arts Council who have participated in the realisation of this exhibition in way or another. He explained that the artists have made their own history through their works that will be a souvenir for future generations. He emphasized that other organisations and workplaces should collaborate with the artists and give them a chance to show their talents in their respective disciplines.

The exhibition will be open until the 28th June 2012.