The Comoros Ministry of Culture has clarified its position on providing financial support to cultural events. According to Minister Saïd Mohamed Ali Saïd, all cultural manifestations seeking public financial support must be inscribed in the ministry's annual work plan. This plan is compiled by the Culture department, which collects project proposals and suggests their integration into the ministry's programming. The minister made these remarks in response to concerns raised by organizers of the Pica festival, held from October 26 to 30.
The Pica festival, in its second edition, was reportedly organized without government support. Ali Ahmed Mahamoud, one of the festival's founders, expressed disappointment, stating that the Culture sector is often neglected by the government. Mahamoud noted that not only in Comoros but also elsewhere, there are budget cuts affecting Culture and education. However, he emphasized that in Comoros, the Culture sector is relegated to the last plan due to the almost non-existent subsidies.
Minister Saïd Mohamed Ali Saïd countered Mahamoud's claims, stating that the mechanism for allocating state subsidies has evolved. He explained that the ministry can only request funding from the state for events registered in its annual work plan. The minister acknowledged that these rules are not well-known among cultural actors and has asked the Culture department to improve communication with festival organizers and project leaders.
The minister invited the Pica festival organizers to contact him so that their event can be included in the next annual work plan. He expressed regret that the ministry could not support the festival's second edition but emphasized its interest in promoting Comorian Culture. Saïd Mohamed Ali Saïd assured that the ministry's ambition is to accompany cultural events within its means and in accordance with procedures.
Ali Ahmed Mahamoud expressed hope that the ministry and Culture department will extend support beyond financial assistance. He emphasized that the Pica festival organizers are also ambassadors of Comoros through their history and photography. Mahamoud noted that the festival received support from the National Center for Comorian Handicrafts (Cnac) but would like to see more involvement from the ministry and Culture department.
Minister Saïd Mohamed Ali Saïd cited several cultural events that have received support from the ministry since he took office. These include the Daradja festival, which received 52 million francs, the Médinas festival for 30 million, and the Gombessa festival for 10 million. Other events, such as the Djoumbe Fatima and Mbeni Ngoma festivals, are also being considered for support.
Ali Ahmed Mahamoud highlighted the challenges faced by photographers in Comoros, including the lack of recognition for their profession and limited resources. He called for the establishment of museums for contemporary and historical photography in the country. The Pica festival organizers hope that their efforts will be recognized and supported by the authorities, enabling them to promote Comorian Culture effectively.
Key points
- The Comoros Ministry of Culture will only provide financial support to cultural events registered in its annual work plan.
- The Pica festival was organized without government support, prompting concerns about the neglect of the Culture sector.
- The ministry has provided support to several cultural events, including the Daradja and Médinas festivals.
