4–DAY ART EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE SIERRA LEONE TALENT

Freetown, Sierra Leone --- Thursday, 29 November 2007 --- A four-day art exhibition begins at 3pm next Tuesday, 4^th December at Lumley Beach Roundabout in Freetown. The colourful exhibition will showcase the talents of Sierra Leone artists. Organised by the National Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the exhibition is a first of its kind for Sierra Leone.

An extensive range of paintings and sculptures from over twenty talented youths will be displayed and sold during the four days. Allusine Bangura, one of the country’s leading artists, sees this initiative as a real opportunity to display the artistic talents of Sierra Leoneans; “we don’t see this exhibition as a one-off event, but rather the beginning of the creation of an arts market where we can live on our art.”

According to the Executive Representative of the Secretary General, Victor Angelo, ‘UNDP is committed to the development of youths in Sierra Leone, and this exhibition is an opportunity to tap into the creative talent of the young people of the country and expose their work to the international market.”

The exhibition will be opened by the Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Samuel Sam-Sumana. Also expected to attend the ceremony are members of the Government of Sierra Leone, senior UN officials, members of the diplomatic community and international visitors.