Cultural Entrepreneurs meet in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Several presentations were delivered by both local and international speakers touching on themes dealing with the role of culture in development, cultural policies, developing the creative industries, information and communication technologies, networks, funding, markets etc. The roles of OCPA and ACP Cultures were also explained. Seminar participants worked in two groups. Participants were invited to submit projects in which they were involved. Experts and the participants together examined the projects in the workshops. Participants were schooled on further developing their projects in order to attract donor funding. This was a very creative and interesting way to promote the development of the creative industries in the Central Africa region.

The last day was dedicated to Frederic Jacquemont of ACP Cultures Programme of the ACP Secretariat who took time to explain the objectives and missions of to the ACP Cultural Observatory to participants. It enabled participants to get a better understanding of the role cultural industries could play in poverty alleviation. It also offered participants the opportunity to consult beneficiaries on their needs and expectations in terms of guidance, analysis and advocacy, and the support the Cultural Observatory could provide in the future.

The Yaoundé seminar resulted in a Declaration which addresses recommendations to artists, cultural operators, regional political authorities as well as European and ACP partners.

More info: www.cerdotola.org, www.opca.org