The contribution of artists recognized during National Awards Ceremony 

The contribution of artists in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Mauritius were duly acknowledged during the first edition of the National Awards ceremony, which was organised in the context of the 50th anniversary of Independence of Mauritius, held on Wednesday at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel in Balaclava.

The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, present at the ceremony, stated that the government through various measures and initiatives is committed in its stride to boost the creative arts industry to a new thrust.

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, several other Ministers and eminent personalities were present at the event. The video clip of the song “lame dan lame” was also launched on the occasion.

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that the National Awards ceremony is a premiere in the country, whose aim is to give due recognition to the talents, sacrifices, concerted efforts and courage of artists through their art works.  Mauritius as a rainbow nation, he underlined, embraces a diversity of cultures through the celebration of peace, harmony, tolerance and solidarity. This existing plurality is a source of inspiration, continuously driving artists to be more creative in their artistic endeavours, he added. On this score, he referred to the examples of various local artists ranging from singers to writers, who have made Mauritius proud both at national and international fronts.

The Prime Minister further outlined that there are several initiatives which have been undertaken to cater to the needs of artists. They comprise: amendment in the Copyright Act to safeguard the interests of artists; creation of the National Arts Fund to financing activities such as music recording, concerts, sales and exhibition of art work; revision of the International Travel Grant Scheme with more flexibility to enable artists participate in international shows; and modification of the film rebate scheme to a maximum of 40 percent in view to endorse local productions and promote Mauritius as a preferred shooting destination, amongst others.

For his part, Minister Roopun lauded the remarkable performance of Mauritian artists and encouraged them to progress in their professional engagements.  Arts and culture, he said, represent an integral part in the daily life of each and every individual. To this end, he highlighted that the Ministry is providing various facilities to assist the community of artists and to make of the arts and culture an important pillar of the Mauritian economy.

National Awards Ceremony

The awards, organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture to reward the originality and creativity of Mauritian artists for their outstanding art works, were classified in six categories. The winners are as follows:

Music: Mr Serge Lebrasse

Theatre: Mr Gaston Valayden

Cinema: Mr Surendra Birjmohun

Dance: Ms Anna Patten

Literature: Mr Abhimanyu Anuth

Visual Arts: Mr Vaco Baissac