4–Day art exhibition launched

A four-day art exhibition was launched at Lumley Beach Roundabout in Freetown. The colourful exhibition showcased the talents of over thirty 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 thirty 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.” It is planned that every Sunday afternoon artists will display and sell their works at the roundabout at Lumley Beach.

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.”

Present at the opening ceremony was the Minister of State and the Minister of Tourism and Culture. Also in attendance were senior UN officials, members of the diplomatic community and international visitors.