Lion Arts Production launches Dance Band
Sierra Leone’s arts and culture is being showcased in recent times with occasions like the formal opening of the `Lion Arts Production` gallery as well as the launching of The Lion Arts Dance Band. These events took place on Saturday 10th March at their headquarters, 27 Benjamin Lane, off Campbell Street in Freetown at exactly 11a.m.
The ceremony commenced with opening prayers. The Christian prayer was done by Mr. Michael Bangura while the Islamic prayers were recited by Mr. Cotay Bangs.
Miss Minnette Fonnah eloquently delivered the welcome note address while the introduction of members of the `Lion Arts Production` was delivered by Mr. George Fonnah, the Artistic Director. Chairman of the organization, Mr. Sulaiman .S. Kamara in his remarks underscored the need for youth training in Arts and Culture, and spoke for the need for respect for law and order.
Professor Yulisa Pat Maddy, lecturer (Performing Arts) Makeni University delivered the Keynote Address and the launching of the Dance Band, while the Vote of Thanks was by Mr. Ishmail .A. Kamara, Senior Cultural Officer, Min. of Tourism/Culture.
The ceremony changed into a festive mood when the ‘Lion Arts Dance Band’ started to play live original African music and the Jambo Show Comedians were in attendance to grace the occasion.
“Promote Indigenous Creative Arts”
When was this organization formed and why?
This organization was formed on 9th November 1996 in Freetown by versatile professional artists and we are registered with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The reason we actualized this organization is to promote indigenous creative arts and also to produce, preserve, research and, exhibit and sell Sierra Leonean artifact through trade fairs, workshops and seminars.
What are your aims and aspirations?
Our aim is to contribute meaningfully, to raise the standard of Sierra Leone’s rich folk arts tradition and culture also we want to reach and involve communities, especially schools and other organization that are new in the Art, to bring about a new understanding of Arts in education, self reliance and development.
What has been your achievements, since November 1996?
We have been coordinating and producing, performed skits, drama songs, jingles, conducted workshop, seminars for NGO`s, commercial firms, schools, social/ religious organizations. We`ve done a lot of community sensitization, disseminating messages based on themes like; basic health education, anemia, prevent malaria control, HIV/AIDS, Leprosy/Tuberculosis to name a few and we do all these by using artistic techniques. Our organization is a member of the International Theatre Institution (SLCITI). We`ve participated in several workshops and seminars country wide and now we`ve just launched our music band.
How do you get your funding?
We don`t get funding from anybody or organization. Our source income simply comes from sales of innovative arts produced by us. As it`s common in the country for business institutions not to adhere to their cooperate and social responsibilities, funding is hard to come by.
What message would you like to send to the people of Sierra Leone?
My message is for Government to lay more emphasis towards the development of the Tourism/ culture Ministry and I`m also calling on all Sierra Leoneans interested in arts and culture to contact us at:
27 Benjamin Lane, Lion Arts Centre
or call us on:
030279892 / 078369371 / 025288499 / 030613396
or via the web — www.lionartproduction.com
By E. Awotelli-Cole
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2012, https:. All rights reserved.
