Fatshimetrie – Training on the management of cultural associations in Congo: a crucial initiative for the development of the cultural scene
In the heart of Kinshasa, the cultural capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a commendable initiative has recently emerged. Indeed, Congolese cultural operators recently participated in a training course dedicated to the management of cultural associations, organized by the Association of Young Writers of Congo (AJECO) at the Wallonia-Brussels Center in Gombe.
The challenge of this training was significant: to support Congolese cultural actors in the creation and sustainability of renowned festivals. Under the leadership of Myra Dunoyer, director of the pan-African festival Y’Afrika, participants were able to benefit from her expertise and feedback to set up sustainable and meaningful festivals.
The issue of the financial viability of festivals was at the heart of concerns. Often faced with financing difficulties, it is essential for cultural operators to know how to manage their budget effectively, target the appropriate sponsors and ensure rigorous monitoring to ensure continuity over time.
Myra Dunoyer’s message to the participants was clear: to succeed in creating a festival, it is essential to set up a solid structure, to build a competent and committed team, and to set up an effective communication strategy to attract a varied audience.
This training also helped to raise awareness among cultural actors of the importance of associations in their sector. Indeed, understanding the role and impact of cultural associations is essential to preserve Congolese cultural wealth in a context marked by the challenges of globalization.
Thanks to renowned speakers such as Goretti Kat, social entrepreneur, the writer Richard Ali, vice-president of the Union of Writers of Congo, and Myra Dunoyer, CEO of Eleza Masolo, this training was rich in lessons and experience sharing. It marked the beginning of a new era for AJECO, which has been working since 2011 to promote young literary talents and Congolese works.
In conclusion, this training on the management of cultural associations in Congo was an important step in the development of the Congolese cultural scene. By promoting the know-how of cultural operators and strengthening ties within the artistic community, it opened up new perspectives for the creation and dissemination of Congolese culture, thus making the country shine on the international scene.