AMBASSADOR

Ambassador's Speeches

Fedartci

Mr. Minister,

Dear artists,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Welcome to the American Embassy, and welcome to the General Assembly of the FEDARTCI.  I am pleased and proud to be here with you today for its official launch. 

Today’s collaboration is only the most recent instance of the embassy’s strong support of the arts in Cote d’Ivoire.  The embassy’s art expositions have put traditional and modern Ivoirian art on display.  The gala soirée last September featured local artists performing old favorites and new rhythms.  From hip hop concerts in Yopougon to gospel concerts in Riviera, from videoconferencing on African-American music to arts administration, the embassy has embraced the artistic community.  Today, the embassy welcomes the newest addition to Cote d’Ivoire’s artistic family – the FEDARTCI. 

The FEDARTCI is composed of a group of talented artisans and performing artists who took part in an intensive Arts Management seminar led by Cultural Envoy Ed Johnetta Miller.  Ms. Miller was invited to Abidjan by the American Cultural Center in early October of this year to respond to the practical needs of Ivoirian artists.  During this program, the artists explored and examined American approaches toward marketing, product design, pricing, customer relations, and human resources, then discussed adapting these strategies to local realities.  They also expressed their wish to bring greater prominence to Cote d’Ivoire’s numerous artistic traditions and to open new markets for their works.

Ms. Miller and the artists agreed that working together would enable them to realize their ambitions.  Responding to her appeal for federation, the participants came together to form a new organization.  Impressively, in less than two months, these artisans and performing artists have created a synergetic platform.  As the FEDARTCI, they will be able to publicize Ivoirian art forms, organize training for members, establish commercial links to international markets, and build ever-closer ties with the United States and the American Embassy in Abidjan.

The embassy fully supports the FEDARTCI and will continue to work with this fine group as an equal partner.  I wish you all the best in your endeavors today and in the future.

Je vous remercie.