Algiers – On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, Souria Mouloudji, and the Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Tayeb Zitouni, officially inaugurated the artistic and creative exhibitions of the African Creative Days event, “CANEX Weekend 2024.” The event is taking place at the central pavilion of the SAFEX Exhibition Center in Algiers from October 16 to 19, under the slogan “A People United by Culture Creates for the World.”
The two ministers, accompanied by an official delegation of African and Caribbean culture ministers and representatives of regional institutions, toured the exhibitions organized by Algeria. The event aims to highlight African cultural and creative industries, encourage diverse talents from across the continent and the diaspora, promote dialogue among participants, and create business opportunities between institutions and states.
Spotlight on Algerian Cultural Production and Artistic Activities
Minister Mouloudji and Minister Zitouni, along with the African delegation, began their visit at the Ministry of Culture and Arts pavilion, where they were given an overview of the sector’s contributions. This pavilion showcased the output of cultural and artistic institutions, including the Algerian Cinema Museum, the National Office for Culture and Information (ONCI), and the National Center for Cinema, highlighting the vibrancy of Algeria’s cultural production in various media—such as cinema, visual arts, music, and theater.
The delegation also visited the “CANEX Weekend 2024 Theater Pavilion,” where they attended some of the scheduled performances. Throughout the event, the pavilion will host a variety of artistic activities, including performances from Algeria and other participating countries, as well as open discussions with professionals in different artistic fields. These sessions will explore the objectives of such continental events and their strategic impact on promoting creative industries and artistic marketing.
Diverse Exhibitions and Collaborative Spaces
The exhibition includes several interactive spaces and well-equipped platforms for different activities. These include roundtables, conferences, and training workshops focusing on music, cinema, and publishing. The event also features live performances, fashion shows, and even sports activities.
The African Talent Pavilion in the fashion and accessories sector particularly attracted the attention of visitors. This section featured the creations of some of the most innovative designers from across Africa and the diaspora. It showcased garments blending traditional and modern styles, with contributions from Algerian designers and others from countries such as Benin, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Egypt.
In the Music Factory, the audience had the opportunity to engage with composers, producers, and musicians in live recording sessions. The space will also host concerts and music performances by renowned artists from Algeria and across the African continent throughout the event.
The Book Factory also drew significant interest, offering a platform for African writers and publishers. This section will host the African Creative Network Award for Publishing, along with exhibitions featuring well-known and emerging artists. Additionally, a culinary arts space highlights Algerian and African cuisine, featuring prominent chefs showcasing their culinary talents.
The central SAFEX pavilion also features exhibitions presenting the missions of continental institutions such as the African Export-Import Bank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Visitors can explore various displays of Algerian and African craftsmanship, including pottery, leatherwork, metalwork, woodworking, and traditional clothing. There is also a showcase of products from startups specializing in cultural industries.
Commemorating Historical Legacy and Strengthening African Cultural Impact
Before the formal opening of the exhibitions, the ministers and the official delegation observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of those lost during the October 17 Migration Day, a pivotal moment in Algeria’s struggle for independence.
The CANEX Weekend 2024 (Creative African Nexus) serves as a prelude to the African Intercontinental Expo, which Algeria will host in September 2025. The event not only strengthens Africa’s cultural influence on the global stage but also addresses the challenges facing the creative sector. It aims to foster innovation and unlock new opportunities for Africa’s rapidly growing creative industries.
For more information on this event, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
CANEX Weekend 2024, Algeria, creative industries, cultural diplomacy, Souria Mouloudji, Tayeb Zitouni, African culture, fashion, music, publishing, continental trade, SAFEX, African diaspora, creative economy
