MRU CONFERENCE OF ARTS AND CULTURE
The Sierra Leonean Pen Centre, Hilltop Communications, Liberia financed by: Prince Claus Fund took off at the YMCA Hall, Crown Hill, Monrovia, Liberia on 9th & 10th January, 2007. The theme was: “The Value of Arts and Culture in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Development in the Mano River Basin”
Five Sierra Leonean delegates travelled by air from Freetown International Airport to Robertsfield International Airport while two travelled by road from Freetown to Monrovia. Two planning meetings were held in Monrovia: the first was on
December 28, 2006 and the second Planning Meeting was onJanuary 2, 2007.In order to be politically correct, it was imperative to include Guinean participation to complete the Mano River Union number of countries.
Guinean delegates included a cultural group and performing artists partly supported by the Guinean embassy.
Day One, January 9, 2007
10. A.M. OPENING SESSION:
- Registration of Facilitators &Participants
- Interlude of Liberian, Sierra Leonean & Guinean Music
- Artistic Performance by Liberian, Guinean and Sierra Leonean Cultural Groups
- Arts and Book Exhibition by Sierra Leonean painter and sculptor and Liberian Writers and Artists
– National Anthems of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia followed by silent Prayers
- Welcome Address and Introduction
- Chairman’s Remarks
- Solidarity Messages:
• Sierra Leonean Ambassador (Proxy)
• Guinean Ambassador (Proxy)
- Keynote address
- Formal Opening
Welcome Address
In his welcome address, Mr. Butscher described the occasion as a “ long overdue conference” due to the similarities of the three countries – Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
Mr. Butscher said that the attendance was a clear manifestation of the desire and wish of all present, writers and artists alike, to be promoting peace, democracy and development in the MRU Basin through the use of our crafts – our writings, voices, dance and paintings. He informed the audience that the initiative was born by the Sierra Leonean PEN Center three years before with the belief that writers and other artists have a more pivotal role in showcasing the MRU sub-region’s arts and culture in effectively contributing to the promotion of peace and development. “We actually wanted to do a festival but due to funding constraints we reduced the festival to a two-day conference.”He thanked the Prince Claus Fund in Holland which committed Euros 15,000 towards the effort to be paid in three tranches.
He expressed the hope that the conference will be a launching pad for the full festival now that “we are a larger body”, and the expectation of concrete suggestions and ideas for a global picture of such a worthwhile enterprise.
He paid a special tribute to the Liberia Association of Writers and Artists for their supportive role. He recognized the President and government of the Republic of Liberia for their support which was amply demonstrated by the attendance of senior government officials. In conclusion, Mr. Butscher informed the audience that the conference was blessed by cultural groups, painting & cultural exhibitions from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
Chairman’s Remarks:
- Professor James Emmanuel Roberts, Deputy Minister of Education for Planning, Research & Development, Republic of Liberia recognized the distinguished guests and extended warm greetings from the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Ministry of Education, Republic of Liberia.
He stressed the need for “rekindling values and principles” for the youths of the MRU Basin through books, music and dance. He emphasised that Liberia’s 15-year crisis caused a great loss of values resulting in disrespect for elders by the youths. These lost values, he stressed, have to be rekindled. Professor Roberts implored countries of the MRU Basin to devise strategies and programs that will educate and motivate youths through arts & culture. He admonished participants to generate/create awareness of the culture of the MRU through the articulation of the region’s rich and vibrant culture.
Mr. T. Michael Weah, President, Liberia Association of Writers, assumed Professor James E. Roberts’ Chairmanship of the day’s deliberations.
SOLIDARITY MESSAGES
Retired Commodore Sesay deputising H.E. the Sierra Leone Ambassador to Liberia, expressed pleasure to be a part of the historic conference, which he referred to as “a milestone” in the MRU Basin. He commended the organizers of the conference indicating that Arts & Culture is an important phenomenon in identifying our heritage. He recommended its extension to other member countries of the MRU Basin so that it would touch the lives of students/youths of the MRU Basin.
The Consul of the Guinean embassy in Liberia, Mr. Ibrahim Diallo who deputised H.E. the Guinean ambassador to Liberia, painfully enumerated the effects of artificial barriers created by colonization on us and challenged delegates to be conscious of their role in breaking these artificial barriers for peace, progress, democracy and development to prevail. He promised that Guinea will contribute meaningfully to the dissolution of such colonial barriers. He welcomed the initiative of the Sierra Leone Pen Centre and hoped that it will strengthen the relationship between the people of the sub region in the promotion of peace, arts and culture.
Mrs Zainab Bangura, UNMIL chief of Civil Affairs recounting her experiences as a refugee in Guinea & Liberia, indicated that Arts & Culture are integral parts of us. She lauded Asia and Mozambique for their exemplary efforts in sustaining culture. She emphasized on language, dress and food, as effective ways to portray our way of life. “Strength is power”, she stated and recommended the continuation of this conference in Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The Keynote Speaker, Hon. Johnny McClain, Liberia’s Presidential Adviser on Communications and former UNESCO Consultant commended the hosts and expressed that it was a painful opportunity for the MRU to start anew. He said culture was development as development showcases the empowerment of the weak and marginalized. He outlined the following as shortcomings
- Africa’s culture of tolerance
- Short memories – we forget too early
- Religious ecumenism:
Hon. Gabriel Williams, Assistant Minister, represented the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism, Republic of Liberia.
In his remarks, Hon. Williams expressed the Minister’s inability to attend the conference due to pressing official engagements, but reiterated the government’s support for arts and culture.
Before declaring the conference open, Hon. Jailee Quaye, Assistant Minister for Culture regretted the destruction of Arts & Culture by the 15-year civil crisis in Liberia and Sierra Leone but expressed the hope that all will be done within the powers of both governments in rehabilitating the cultural departments of their government administration to encourage the hunt for talents. He revealed that a national policy on culture will be presented to the Liberian legislature shortly.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
During the refreshment break, representatives of countries of the Mano River Basin took the stage.
A musical group The Republic of Guinea was the first to perform. It held the packed hall spellbound by its spectacular performances.
Next was Liberia, the host country, with an all female dance group which thrilled the participants and special guests.
The third and final group was Sierra Leone with their traditional “devil” and other highly skilled gymnasts and dancers which stole the show by exhibiting dramatic and captivating cultural performances.
The ARTS EXHIBITION involved two groups:
1. Book exhibition by Liberian Writers
2. Paintings exhibition by Sierra Leonean Artists.
BREAK BREAK BREAK
PROGRAMME FOR PLENARY
2.00pm Day One Session Two:
1st Presentation:
“Bridging the Gap among Liberian, Sierra Leonean and Guinean Writers and Performing Artists”- Mohamed Sheriff, President, Sierra Leonean PEN
2nd Presentation
“The Role of Writers and Artists in Promoting Peace and Development” - Dr. Cyril Allen, Peter Ballah & T. Manjoe Borlay, Liberian Writers and Cultural Promoters
PLENARY PLENARY
1st Presentation: “Bridging the Gap among Liberian, Sierra Leonean and Guinean Writers and Performing Artists” By: Mohamed Sheriff, President, Sierra Leonean PEN Center
In his presentation, Mr. Sheriff explained to the participants how he saw the topic assigned him – that it is more practical than academic. Noting that he would be more engaged in brain storming and discussion rather than presenting, he recommended that participants sit around a table and make contributions of ways of bridging the gap and discussing the merits and demerits of each contribution and ending with a document and an action plan. To buttress his introduction, Mr. Sheriff advanced the following:
1. That Regional Conferences be organized;
2. That exhibitions of arts be organised;
3. That regional languages (English & French) be translated; and
4. That an organization or body be set up to bridge the gap among artists and writers in the MRU Basin
2nd Presentation “The Role of Writers in Promoting Peace and Development in the MRU Basin” By C. William Allen, Manjoe Borlay & Peter Ballah
This presentation was delivered jointly by C. William Allen, a writer and Manjoe Borlay & Peter Ballah, performing artists.
First to take the stage was Mr. C. William Allen who from the writer’s perspective outlined the role of the writer as:
1. To educate
2. To inform
3. To entertain
4. To persuade
5. To influence
He advised writers not to write in a vacuum but to observe the fact that “the pen is mightier than the gun”. The pen, he added, also serves as an interpreter of the works of the gun and is an agent of positive changes”. He urged writers to concentrate on writing what heals not writing that which hurts.
In his presentation, Mr. Manjoe Borlay suggested more emphasis be placed on creative arts in MRU universities, the reintroduction of censorship boards to ensure quality materials, the establishment of modern regional studios and cultural festivals to be held once every three years.
Mr. Peter Ballah, a colleague of Mr. Manjoe Borlay in his presentation, treated the participants to thrilling and exhilarating performances, which made all to put pens to rest allowing laughter to prevail. As an astute performing artist, he danced nimbly and told interesting stories, which excited the participants.
A 15 minute drama depicting peace in the MRU Basin, the division of MRU Countries, and the Birth of MRU ended the presentation. A period of Questions & Answers followed. There were group works which brought out various recommendations.
Announcements
DAY 2 - January 10, 2007 Programme
9.00 am Registration
9.30 Session One: Reflections on Day – 1 - Chairman: Arthur E.E. Smith
3rd Presentation:
“Combating the Challenges of Publishing in the MRU Basin” - T. Michael Weah, President, Liberia Writers Association
4th Presentation:
“Promoting our Culture through Arts. The Problems and Prospects”- Raymond De’souza George, Lecturer, Fourah Bay College.
- Questions & Answers
- Group Work
- Recommendations
SESSION TWO:
“The Way Forward”
- How do we consolidate gains made so far?
- How do we sustain the momentum?
RESOLUTION:
- Presentation of Certificates
- Administrative Protocols
DAY 2 10th January, 2007
Chairman of the day: Arthur E. E. Smith, Senior Lecturer, Fourah Bay College, and an active member of Sierra Leone PEN Center
The Day began with Mr Smith asking for the observance of a minute silence to remember all who lost their lives including soldiers from the three countries during the civil war in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
After acclaiming the Liberia Association of Writers and Sierra Leonean Artists for their excellent exhibition of books and paintings, he set the stage by recounting the basic points discussed during Day 1, as presented by the speakers and working groups of the day. Prominent among the issues which captivated the participants was “Copy right and the Laws”.
3rd Presentation: “Combating the Challenges of Publishing in the MRU Basin” By: T. Michael Weah, President, Liberia Association of Writers
Mr. T. Michael Weah began his presentation by focusing on the definition of “Publishing”. He bemoaned the inability and limitations of MRU Writers – mainly through financial constraints and lack of implements. “Until these problems are tackled and solved, many manuscripts of MRU Basin Writers will remain food for rats and cockroaches”, he said. He recommended that writers engage the ideas and concepts of other writers, but not their words.
Mr. Weah recommended that Book Clubs and cultural troops be formed at all levels of schools, focusing on education and economy.
4th Presentation: “Promoting Our Culture Through Arts. The Problems and Prospects” By: Raymond Desouza George, Lecturer, Fourah Bay College
The Power of Poetry, through Mr. George’s electrifying presentation captivated the participants and sent them to exhilaration thereby forgetting about their pens. Because Arts and Culture are so closely linked, he presented culture as:
a. A cradle for peace;
b. A channel for its transmission through the various elements of which it is composed;
c. An environment with a climate for its existence, nurture and substance; and
d. Its greatest potential enemy.
As poetic as the scene was, several participants had the opportunity to read out their poems – Sarah King, Mohamed Sheriff, etc.
- Questions & Answers
- Group Work
- Recommendations
THE WAY FORWARD
During this session, individual participants made their individual contributions on charting the way forward with the following forwarded for possible adoption:
1. That an Organization or Union be formed.
2. That the name of the Organization or Union be caught from the following
a) Union of MRU Writers & Artists
b) MRU Writers & Artists Association
c) Association of MRU Artists
d) Union of Creative MR Union
e) MRU Writers Association
3. That the organisation strives to organise an annual MRU Festival of Arts and Culture
4. That Financial sustainability of the Organization or Union for the Administration be sourced;
5. That a Committee in each MRU country be constituted for the purpose of organisation and information dissemination.
6. That funds be solicited to support the publication of an MRU anthology of short stories, poetry and rhymes;
7. That the current Secretariat be a Focus and a Mandate;
8. That writers and other artists focus on the promotion of peace, arts and culture and advocate for free expression in the sub region;
9. That the conference be rotational within the Mano River Union;
10. That a Task Force be formed to prepare recommendations and an action plan;
11. That all members of the Organization or Union lobby governments of their member states for political, moral and financial support;
RESOLUTION
It was resolved that a working group of Mano River Union of Arts & Culture be formed with immediate effect with the following members:
1. President, Liberia Association of Writers
2. President, Sierra Leonean PEN Centre
3. President, Guinean Writers Association
4. Mike Butscher, Conference Coordinator
5. Flomo Theater
6. Johnny McClain, Adviser
7. Sarah King, Performing Artist
8. Lydia S. Johnson, Youth
This Resolution was voted upon, received over 90% support and thereafter “adopted”.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON VARIOUS PAPERS PRESENTED
Combating the Challenges of Publishing in the MRU
The following challenges were outlined:
1. Low Reader Population; Low Literacy Rate; Unfavourable Economic Policies; (Constraints)
2. Lack of professional Publishing houses – Commercial sponsored publishing Houses.
3. Lack of communication in the MRU constituting language barriers.
SOLUTIONS
1. Building a readership culture in collaboration with the respective Governments from School to College by organising regular writing and reading competitions and literary festivals
2. Advocating for Free and compulsory education and the implementation of the each-one-teach-one policy.
3. Waiving customs tariffs on publishing-related materials to promote and sustain indigenous publishing houses.
4. Writers Associations must institute endowments to properly address the needs of Writers.
Some ways in which writers and other artists can enhance prosperity in the MRU Basin were:
1. Through materials published to promote development.
2. The sub-region should have professional publishing houses to aid new writers.
3. Educate writers on issues that will enhance national development.
4. Promote culture through writing and other artistic works including: singing, movies, drama etc.
5. Organise cultural festivals and cultural exchange among these three (3) states.
6. Encourage reading competitions in school system and mass media.
7. Promote cultural education in our sub-region.
How can Writers and other artists enhance prosperity in the MRU?
Recommendations
1. Self-development
2. Promoting readership through motivational approaches
3. Soliciting grants to enhance the establishment of national resource centers that will subsidize production costs.
4. Encouraging potential individual business entities to engage in publishing activities or establishing regional publishing institutions by member countries.
How can writers and artists increase prosperity in the MRU basin?
1. Writers and artists should come together to form a union.
2. Train young writers and artists to become professional.
3. The union of Writers and artists should collaborate with governments of MRU basin to include their work in the education curriculum.
4. The union of Writes and artists should have annual trade exhibition of arts and culture.
5. The Union of Writers and artists should advocate for the inclusion of arts and culture as a course of study in schools. (Primary to University).
6. The union of Writers and Artists should set up a publishing company to serve writers and artists.
How do we promote our culture?
a. Through Traditional dance
b. Through Traditional dress code
c. Through cultural extravaganza
d. Through Traditional Music
e. Through Our day-to-day life
How do we promote Arts?
- Creative acts (poems, stories, drama etc)
- Performing art
- Using our schools as the basis for promoting our culture
- Arts should reflect our cultural orientation
The role of Writers in promoting Peace and Development
1. Uniting the writers of the MRU basin.
2. The works of writers should influence the people of the MRU basin of the Arts and Culture.
3. Writers of the MRU basin should have cultural exchange
4. The works of writers of the MRU basin should reflect the actual culture in promoting peace and development.
5. Establishment of Writers’ club beginning from Primary Schools to the highest and the students of these clubs should interact with one another in the MRU basin.
6. Writers’ Associations should undertake the campaign of advocacy for children’s education.
7. The Writer Association should undertake the campaign of social advocacy for:
a. Social Justice
b. Freedom of expression
c. Human Rights
d. Gender equity
e. Peace and development
f. Campaign against HIV/AIDS
g. Writers should advocate for their writings to be translated into English and French used in the MRU basin
Recommendations
*. Establishment of a regional body comprising of writers & artists for the coordination and promotion of their works.
* Translations of literary works from one language to another (French/English)
* Establishment of foreign language clubs in schools within member countries.
* Legislating French and English as official languages in member countries, beginning in schools.
* Establishing an endowment Fund for the awarding of prizes to writers and artists; and the provision of scholarships and grants to aid translations (artistic) or languages in the MRU.
* Facilitating the distribution of written materials from one member country to another.
Role of Artists in Promoting Development and Peace
1. The Role of Artists in promoting peace and development are through songs, dramas, etc.
2. The artist should create works that interest the people to create works that peace can relate to and which can promote cultural values.
3. Through networking among artists from the three MRU states
4. By producing film, drama, through their works to show mistakes about the past, and portraying ways of correcting those mistakes.
5. To educate people on national or cultural development.
6. Various Artist groups should collaborate to solicit fund to promote works of their members.
7. Various Artist groups should construct facilities like publishing houses for writers, studio for performance artists, etc.
8. Artists should create peace, love and reconciliation and appreciation among themselves so as to be united and to move forward.
9. Artists should have cultural exchange programs within the Mano River Basin. Cultural and other festivities promoting MRU similarities.
The Role of Writers in Promoting Peace and Development.
1. Dealing with topical issues affecting the daily life of our people through music, short stories, poem, drama, all the various forms of arts.
2. Conscientising our people through the history of our cultural and tribal heritage
5. Promote peaceful Co-existence and to stop referring to neighbours as aliens
6. To stop plagiarism and promote the enforcement of copy right laws
7. The image of the writers has to be protected in order for the writer to be taken seriously.
8. The Writer must challenge the Government to protect the Human Rights of the Persons. Respect the Rule of Law.
9. The development of Nationalism in our nation and the MRU. Having a proud sense of belonging.
10. To create materials to develop our young minds in order to advance the
development of the next generation. To rekindle our values and support
cultural institutions.
Mohammed A. Kamara and Darlingston Talery - Rapporteurs
Edited by Mike Butscher and Arthur Smith
