In celebration of two decades of artistic and cultural exchange between Switzerland and southern Africa, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg proudly launched the 2018 Winter Programme.
“It is an honour for us to celebrate 20 years of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia in Johannesburg with our compelling array of partnerships and collaborations that come together to create a potent offering of some of the finest creative arts in the world,” said Pro Helvetia head, Joseph Gaylard.
Designed to advance creative innovation and develop cultural networks, Pro Helvetia’s winter programme features a rich line-up of new and collaborative works by influential artists from Madagascar, Mozambique, Lesotho, South Africa and Switzerland.
The Winter Programme features a world-class selection of jazz, dance, contemporary art and installations in an expansive web of venues designed to cultivate audiences, develop cultural exchange and connect communities throughout June and July.
“The tours across the region offer audiences an opportunity to explore familiar and uncharted cultural landscapes with leading artists that accelerate the potential for cultural exchange. We hope audiences are inspired to experience and experiment and join us in celebrating our dynamic and pioneering 2018 Winter Programme,” said Gaylard.
The range of performances and exhibitions on offer combine to form a dynamic journey offering a platform for exploration, discovery and engagement for artists and audiences alike. With a focus on generating dialogue and interchange, the 2018 Winter Programme features a series of insightful workshops and panel discussions that blend to achieve greater creative development among communities.
“Our anniversary year provides an opportunity for us to recognise the significant impact of arts and culture in the SADC region through ambitious projects such as our Winter Programme that serves to collapse the distance between communities and reinforce strong cultural ties across the region. This milestone allows us to reflect – with partners in Switzerland and the SADC region – on the role and position of creative alliances in ways that boost and strengthen the cultural landscape of southern Africa,” Gaylard said.
