Innibos for all ethnical groups to enjoy

All ethnical groups in Mpumalanga and across the country must support this year’s Innibos festivities, no matter what race or culture.

MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Sibongile Manana addressing the audience. Photo by Dale Hes.

This is according to the MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Sibongile Manana who made this statement during her speech at the official launch of the Innibos Art Gallery on Tuesday, 25 June 2013.

“We celebrate our rich cultural diversity through the enjoyment of artistic works. I urge everyone in the province to embrace the Innibos Festival, no matter what race or culture. I have encouraged the black community to attend and learn more about the Afrikaner culture,” said Manana.

This year’s Innibos art exhibition boasts with art work from renowned artists such as Anton Smit, Bettie Cilliers-Barnard, Esias Bosch, Guy du Toit, Theo Kleynhans, Colbert Mashile, Pieter Binsbergen, Craig Muller and Diana Victor.

Smit has on exhibition some of his sculptures which he admitted may not be to everyone’s liking. “My work depicts the vulnerability of humans. That which we try to hide and that which lies beneath our surfaces. Its that which remains after we have fallen to the ground,” Smit said.

MEC Manana further said that it is extremely important for everyone to support the Innibos Arts Festival. “Innibos promotes our province in a huge way and everyone here knows about it. I have heard that hotels in Nelspruit are full as we attract thousands of visitors from across the country. This is probably the most important annual event on our calendar and brings millions of rand to our province.”

She said art builds bridges and creates understanding amongst cultures. “Art, through shape, colour, lines and forms, is a universal language which everyone can understand.”

Asante Maseko, an IT specialist who attended the launch for the first time said he enjoyed the event a lot.

“This is my first time at Innibos. I hear about it every year and knew they were doing something right so I wanted to attend. I am very open-minded and it is always good to learn more about different cultures and put the past behind us. I have enjoyed this night thoroughly.” – The Write News Agency