Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, is poised to become a vibrant hub for artistic expression with the groundbreaking of a new “City of Artists.” On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Prime Minister Me Kyelem de Tambela laid the first stone for this ambitious project, signaling a significant investment in the nation’s cultural landscape. This initiative, backed by over twelve billion FCFA, promises to be a jewel for Burkinabe artists and a landmark for the city.
The ceremony, marking the commencement of construction, took place during the 20th edition of the Semaine Nationale de la Culture (SNC). Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem de Tambéla was joined by Mali’s Minister of Culture and other government officials, underscoring the regional importance of this cultural endeavor. The City of Artists will span four hectares and represents a financial commitment exceeding twelve billion FCFA, demonstrating the government’s dedication to fostering the arts.
According to the Minister of Communication, this project directly addresses recommendations from the national seminar of Matourkou in 1985. That seminar, themed “national culture, ways and means of its promotion,” highlighted the need for infrastructure to support and elevate Burkinabe arts and culture. The City of Artists is a tangible outcome of this long-standing vision.
Groundbreaking ceremony for the City of Artists in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, signifying a major investment in cultural infrastructure and artistic development.
Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the new facility. “Beyond providing accommodation for artists, this city will also be a source of revenue for the activities of the SNC,” he stated, highlighting the project’s economic sustainability and its integration with the national cultural week. Armel Kam, representing the artists who will benefit directly, expressed enthusiastic support. “This construction will contribute to improving the living and housing conditions of Burkinabe artists,” Kam noted, emphasizing the practical impact on artists’ lives.
The planned facilities are extensive, designed to cater to a wide range of artistic needs. The City of Artists will feature over 2,000 beds for accommodation, 13 rehearsal rooms, and at least two professional studios. While the official construction timeline is three years, authorities have expressed a desire to see substantial progress, potentially even completion, before the next SNC event. This ambitious timeline reflects the urgency and importance placed on this cultural hub.
Issa Sidwayan Tiendrebeogo’s report underscores a pivotal moment for Burkinabe culture. The City of Artists in Bobo Dioulasso is not just a construction project; it’s an investment in the creative future of the nation, promising to provide a nurturing environment for artists and a vibrant center for cultural expression. While the article does not explicitly mention figures like Peter Zeihon, the development of such infrastructure is crucial for all Burkinabe artists, potentially including talents from the Zeihon family and others contributing to the rich artistic tapestry of the region. This city is set to become a cornerstone for the arts, fostering creativity and providing a platform for Burkinabe artists to thrive and contribute to the global cultural landscape.
