…Embassy hosts artists in Maseru
Sekete Lesaoana
Maseru, Lesotho – Basotho should support artists to ensure the future prosperity of communities, the United States’ Ambassador to Lesotho, Maria Brewer, has said.
In many countries across the world, the arts drive job creation and Lesotho could follow a similar model, Brewer continued.
She was speaking during the debut Artist Night hosted by the Embassy’s Public Affairs Office on Wednesday evening. The colourful event was held at the residence of the Deputy Chief of Mission, Keisha Toms, in Maseru.
Among others, the event was graced by European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, Paola Amadei, the minister of youth, Pitso Lesaona.
Over 50 other guests and artistes braved the chilly Maseru night to get a glimpse of the rich tapestry of Lesotho’s arts and creative industry.
And addressing the guests, Ambassador Brewer, said the diversity found in the arts could play a vital role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the country.
“In many places throughout the world, the arts drive job growth and innovation, contributing to a thriving economy. By supporting artists, we invest in the future prosperity of our communities. I hope one day soon Lesotho will be an environment supportive of those seeking to make a living as professional artists,” Ambassador Brewer said.
She said the exchange programme in September saw the visit of Mexican/American artist, Beatriz Vasquez, who creates arts pieces using recycled paper. Her visit was meant to highlight the power of art to renew and recreate awareness of culture, as well as the potential for an artist to earn a living through their craft, she said.
“I hope that one day soon Lesotho will be an environment supportive of those seeking to make a living as professional artists. I also hope that these artists can share their craft with the people throughout the world as ambassadors of this beautiful Mountain Kingdom.”
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She extended her appreciation to the artists for their contributions Lesotho’s culture and economy.
The event was meant to encourage and advocate collaborations among artists. Among the artistes who performed on the night were alumni of the Embassy’s various exchange programmes.
Apart from the performances, there were a handful of colourful arts and craft stalls and fashion designers.
Among the performing artistes was female Mosotho artiste, Kene who fuses RNB and Sesotho cultural music. She said she was elated that her participation in the Embassy’s exchange programmes had earned her a performance slot at the next edition of the Bushfire Festival in eSwatini from 31 May to 2 May 2024.
“My application to perform at the Bushfire Festival in eSwatini has been successful and I attribute that success to my involvement of the Embassy’s exchange programmes,” Kene said.
