Africa-Press – Mauritius. To give a boost to the creative industries as drivers of inclusive growth and societal well-being, Budget 2023-2024 brings forth key measures for this sector. Support to artists The following budgetary measures were enumerated with a view to promoting the welfare of artists. They include:
Strengthening of the support provided to the 2,000 professional artists of Mauritius with the Status of the Artist Bill recently introduced in the National Assembly.
A Professional in the Arts Council will be set-up as a one-stop-shop facility. Registered artists will be provided with a pension scheme for their retirement.
The Council will also provide a State Recognition Allowance Scheme to professionals who have gained recognition at national or international level. Increasing the grant to eligible artists by a minimum of 15% under the National Arts Fund.
An “Atelier des Auteurs” will be organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB) this year. To promote Mauritian literature, Rs 10,000 will be provided to all secondary schools for the purchase of books from local authors.
Increasing the grant for the production of music albums to Rs 50,000. Investing Rs 80 million to upgrade the Anjalay Coopen Stadium to also host concerts.
The Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage together with the EDB will organise the Fête de la Musique on 21st June 2024. VAT removal on all musical instruments.
Preservation of heritage To revitalise, preserve and promote the city of Port Louis as an area of significant heritage and historical value, the budget provides for these measures:
Creation of an artistic and cultural trail of a length of 3.8 km in Port Louis from the Victoria Metro Station up to Chinatown; Completion of Phase II of the Intercontinental Slavery Museum Project at the Ex-Military Hospital building and launching of the permanent exhibition;
Setting up of the Beeckrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre at the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, in line with the recommendations of UNESCO; and Creation of a vibrant mini forest at the centre of the city with the pulling down of the Emmanuel Anquetil Building.
The Emmanuel Anquetil Park will provide a natural setting with dedicated areas for outdoor leisure, recreational activities, musical performances and artists.
To further revalorise and protect the cultural landscape, Budget 2023-2024 includes the upgrading of the Trou Chenilles trail at Le Morne; rejuvenating the Jummah Mosque area; revitalising the China Town area; upgrading and upkeeping the Allée Pere Laval; renovating the “Dutch First Landing Station” in Ferney; and setting up of a spiritual park at Grand Bassin.
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