The cultural landscape of Béjaïa, Algeria, is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the efforts of Aomar Reghal, the director of culture for the wilaya. Reghal's vision is to revitalize the sector and restore its former glory as a hub of cultural activity. To achieve this, his team is working tirelessly to implement various projects and initiatives that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. The sector has seen a qualitative leap in development, thanks to the concerted efforts of different services.
One of the notable achievements is the renovation of the Kherrata cinema, which was inaugurated on March 19, 2018. The cinema is a significant addition to the region's cultural infrastructure, offering a polyvalent space for various artistic activities. The management of the cinema has been entrusted to the Office National de la Culture et de l'Information (ONCI), which has a proven track record in the cinematic field. This move is expected to breathe new life into the local cultural scene.
The directorate of culture has also made significant progress in restoring and upgrading existing cultural institutions. The rehabilitation of the Béjaïa House of Culture and the main public library are currently underway. Additionally, plans are in place to install new seats for the Abdelmalek Bouguermouh Regional Theatre and renovate the Taskriout Cultural Centre. These projects aim to provide a vibrant cultural ecosystem for the local community.
The past year has seen a range of cultural events and festivals take place in Béjaïa, including the Lire en fête festival, the International Theatre Festival, and the Kabyle Song Festival. These events have not only showcased the region's rich cultural diversity but also provided a platform for local artists to shine. The directorate of culture has also organized tributes to notable artists from the region, including A. Hafid Idres, Djamel Allam, and Brahim Tazaghart.
The sector has also seen significant activity in the musical and cinematic domains. In 2018, there were 50 musical performances, while 300 films were screened across the wilaya, with an average of 21-25 films per month. Furthermore, 24,305 books were distributed to municipal libraries, cultural associations, and schools across the region. These statistics demonstrate the directorate's commitment to promoting cultural activities and providing access to artistic expression.
The restoration of the Casbah, a historic landmark in Béjaïa, is another significant project that is nearing completion. Four out of six lots have been completed, with a progress rate of around 60%. The project aims to preserve the region's cultural heritage and promote tourism. Additionally, three monuments have been added to the wilaya's inventory of historical sites, bringing the total number to 26.
As the cultural sector in Béjaïa continues to evolve, it is clear that there is still much work to be done. Despite financial constraints, the directorate of culture remains committed to promoting the region's cultural heritage and providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents. With ongoing projects and initiatives, the future of Béjaïa's cultural scene looks bright.
Key points
- The wilaya of Béjaïa has seen significant progress in its cultural sector, with various projects and initiatives underway to promote the region's rich cultural heritage.
- The renovation of the Kherrata cinema and the restoration of the Casbah are notable achievements in the region's cultural development.
- The directorate of culture has organized various cultural events and festivals, including the Lire en fête festival and the Kabyle Song Festival, to promote local artistic talent.
