Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Culture Reports Nearly 600 Contracts Signed at MASA 2024

The 13th edition of the Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain (MASA) 2024, an African performing arts market event, concluded in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire with the signing of nearly 600 contracts, according to Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Culture and Francophonie.

The closing ceremony also saw the signing of a 1 billion FCFA (approximately $1.6 million) funding agreement for participants in the cultural industry.

This unparalleled loan in West Africa, with 500 million FCFA from the Youth Employment Agency and the remainder from Orange Bank, offers a preferential rate of 8% and a repayment period of 3 years. The funding aims to support artists aged 18 to 50 in Côte d'Ivoire's cultural sector.

Why this matters: The substantial funding agreement and high number of contracts signed at MASA 2024 demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and investing in the African performing arts industry. This event highlights the economic and cultural significance of the arts sector in Côte d'Ivoire and the wider West African region.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also presented prizes to the best young comedian and the best young slam poet in West Africa at the closing ceremony. Nin'wlou from Côte d'Ivoire won the prize for best young slam poet, while Bappa Oumar from the Republic of Guinea was awarded the prize for best young comedian.

The ECOWAS Prizes of $3,000 and $2,000 respectively were given to support and encourage the artistic creativity of the youths and promote integration, social cohesion, peace, and socio-economic and cultural development in the region.

ECOWAS provided financial support and played a critical role in the overall organization of MASA 2024. Fanta Cissé, the ECOWAS representative, highlighted the organization's commitment to developing cultural and creative industries, as well as supporting the professionalization of creators and cultural actors in the region. "The ECOWAS Prizes awarded at this 13th edition of MASA testify to the community's commitment to support and encourage the artistic creativity of the youths while promoting integration, social cohesion, peace and development," Cissé stated at the closing ceremony.

Key Takeaways

• MASA 2024 in Côte d'Ivoire saw 600+ contracts signed, $1.6M funding deal.
• $1.6M loan at 8% over 3 years to support Ivorian artists aged 18-50.
• ECOWAS awarded $3K and $2K prizes for best young slam poet and comedian.
• ECOWAS provided financial support and played a key role in MASA 2024.
• MASA 2024 demonstrates commitment to African performing arts industry.