Cape Town – Artscape Theatre Centre became the 96th member of the Silk Road International League of Theatres (Srilt), making it the first African arts organisation to join.
Srilt comprises arts organisations from 32 countries and encourages the promotion and exchange of arts and culture among its members.
Artscape chief executive Marlene le Roux, Artscape Council chairperson Her Royal Highness Princess Celenhle Dlamini and Chinese representatives marked this occasion by signing a memorandum of understanding earlier this month at the China International Import Expo.
Le Roux said: “We are very excited about this agreement and extremely honoured at the Artscape. This is a big deal for us. We are looking forward to learning from the Chinese, just as much as they want to learn and engage with us.
“Research was done about the Artscape and we were selected based on how we promote indigenous languages, cultures, jobs and training.
“They were also encouraged by how our theatre has total access for people with disabilities. Most importantly, they were interested in our school programmes, jazz and classical training.”
The name “Silk Road” was coined more than two millennia ago when people in Eurasia opened up several routes of trade and cultural exchange that linked the principal civilisations of Asia, Europe and Africa.
For thousands of years, countries along the Silk Road have enhanced communication and strengthened exchanges.
Artscape marketing and communications head Simone Heradien said: “Not only is the Silk Road economically crucial to countries along its route, it is also an important resource for cultural development.
“Thus, to further improve cultural and artistic exchanges and co-operation among countries along the Silk Road, China Arts and Entertainment Group, endorsed and supervised by the ministry of culture of China, proposed establishing the Srilt.”
The concept was approved and the Srilt was founded in October 2016.