The Chairperson of the Derik Cultural Festival Organising Committee, Mathiang Cirilo, has appealed to the government to build a theatre and a public library in Juba. This appeal was made during the opening of the sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival at the University of Juba. Cirilo urged the Minister of Information and Acting Minister of Culture, Ateny Wek Ateny, to convey the request to President Salva Kiir and the Council of Ministers. The proposed facilities aim to promote cultural activities and provide opportunities for young people to develop and showcase their talents.
According to Cirilo, the absence of adequate theatre facilities in Juba limits opportunities for artists and young people to present their creative work and develop their talents. He emphasised that a public library and theatre are essential for promoting knowledge and culture. Cirilo estimated that a public library could be constructed for less than one million US dollars, while an economically designed theatre could cost approximately two million dollars. These facilities would serve not only the Derik Cultural Festival but also other cultural events, artistic performances, and official government activities.
Cirilo recalled that a former vice president received a similar request during the festival’s opening ceremony about four years ago. However, the proposal to construct a theatre at the University of Juba or another location has yet to be implemented. He stressed that the request is not personal but a message from the audience of the Derik Cultural Festival. The festival president urged Minister Ateny to convey the message to the President and present it to the Council of Ministers, as Juba needs a theatre that can serve young people and promote the country’s cultural development.
Minister Ateny Wek Ateny responded to the appeal by stating that he would convey the request to President Kiir and the caretaker government. He explained that ministers have access to the President through government meetings, but anyone seeking a private meeting must formally submit a request to the Office of the President, explaining the purpose of the proposed audience. This exchange highlights the ongoing efforts to promote cultural development and youth engagement in South Sudan.
The Derik Cultural Festival, now in its sixth edition, continues to provide a platform for showcasing creativity and artistic performances. The festival’s organisers have named Professor Peter Adwok Nyaba as the personality of the year. This recognition underscores the festival’s commitment to honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to cultural development and promotion in South Sudan.
Cirilo also invited Minister Ateny to attend the festival’s closing ceremony on November 14. This invitation provides an opportunity for the minister to witness firsthand the creativity and artistic performances presented by participants. The closing ceremony is expected to be a culmination of the festival’s activities, highlighting the talents and achievements of young artists and cultural enthusiasts.
The appeal for a theatre and public library in Juba underscores the need for infrastructure to support cultural activities and youth development in South Sudan. The proposed facilities would provide a hub for artistic expression, learning, and cultural exchange. As the government considers this request, the Derik Cultural Festival continues to promote cultural development and provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents.
Key points
- The Derik Cultural Festival organisers are seeking government support to build a theatre and public library in Juba to promote cultural activities and youth development.
- The proposed theatre and library would serve not only the festival but also other cultural events, artistic performances, and official government activities.
- The festival’s organisers believe that these facilities are essential for promoting knowledge, culture, and youth engagement in South Sudan.
