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Arts and crafts

We are assisting in unlocking the potential of the creative economy through the support for local initiatives related to arts, crafts and artistic creation and by working with artists groups and associations.

UNESCO supports a range of actvities, including:

Replacement roof for culture centre, Juba

In March 2013, Roots of South Sudan Foundation, an NGO very active in culture in South Sudan, suffered a major blow when the roof of their centre collapsed during heavy rains. UNESCO paid for a new roof so that they could continue with their work, which includes making jewellery, conducting literacy and numeracy classes and holding exhibitions and cultural gatherings.

South Sudan’s first art exhibition, Juba

© UNESCO Juba
Mr.Salah Khaled, Head of UNESCO Office in Juba with the artists, first arts exhibition

When UNESCO moved into new offices in 2012, we realised it was the perfect venue for an art exhibition.

Showcasing works by students and teachers of Juba University’s Fine Arts Department, the event was the first arts exhibition since South Sudan achieved independence.

Cultural Diversity Festival, Wau

© UNESCO Juba
Cultural Diversity Festival, Wau, 2013

The first Cultural Diversity Festival was held in Wau from 5-11 April 2013. Organised by the Ministry of Information, Telecommunications and Culture in Western Bahr el Ghazal and supported by UNESCO, the festival theme was ‘The Broader Way to Nation Building is through Culture and Arts’.

Thousands attended the festival, which was a huge success, showcasing culture and arts from around the state. Included were traditional and modern music, traditional dances, material culture and handcrafts, drama, puppet theatre, book fairs, poetry recitals, public lectures, film screenings and fine, applied and plastic arts.

Learn more: Western Bahr Ej Ghazal State Launches Cultural Diversity Festival Week in Wau (Gurtong) 16 Apr 2013 and UNESCO to Support Culture Diversity in South Sudan (Gurtong) 17 Apr 2013

Festival for Fashion and Arts for Peace, Juba

© UN, Martine Perret
Fashion and Arts for Peace show, Juba, 2013

UNESCO is working to strengthen cultural industries in South Sudan. In August 2013, we supported a two-day festival dedicated to the artisans and designers of South Sudan and involving a broad range of craftspeople from a variety of states.

The highlight of the event was a gala night with a fashion show and performances from a traditional dance group and singers. This type of event allows artisans to diversify their sources of income while preserving traditional crafts and skills.

Learn more: On fashion runway, South Sudan takes steps toward a national identity (New York Times) 3 Oct 2013

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – 21 May

© UNESCO
World Day for Cultural Diversity celebration, beads art, UNESCO Office in Juba, May 2013

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is the perfect day to celebrate the people of South Sudan.

In 2013, UNESCO held a reception in its Office in Juba to mark the day and promote the importance of cultural diversity and expression throughout the country.

The event included a drama performance, traditional dances and an exhibition of traditional crafts from around the nation. Presentations from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and from academics explored the cultural diversity and the challenges and opportunities posed for building a peaceful nation.

Learn more: Celebrating South Sudan’s cultural diversity

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