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MOFA to hold Africa Day celebrations

The MOFA’s Africa Fashion Show and Culture Exhibition is set to heighten public awareness in Taiwan of ROC diplomatic allies such as Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe, and Swaziland. (Courtesy of MOFA)

• Publication Date：05/23/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced May 22 that it will stage a fashion show and culture exhibition in Taipei City to celebrate Africa Day.

“The initiative is in line with President Ma Ying-jeou’s cultural diplomacy approach,” the MOFA said in a statement. “It is also an opportunity for the people of Taiwan to experience African traditions.”

Running May 26-27 at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Plaza, the event begins with a runway show featuring the creations of Burkina Faso designer Clara Lawson Ames. This is followed by performances of a ballet company from her homeland and Taiwan-based African music troupes Shock Concert Band and Sibongie Workshop.

MOFA Minister Timothy Chin-tien Yang and ambassadors from ROC African allies will attend the event’s opening ceremony.

According to the ministry, the exhibition will feature a collection of 500 artworks, including bronze and woven sculptures, traditional textiles and children’s paintings. In addition, visitors can experience hair braiding, face painting and learn how to play traditional musical instruments.

Africa Day is observed May 25 by African communities around the world to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, which marked the liberation from European colonial powers and the beginning of regional integration. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw