15 Oct 2023

A collaboration between Orange Botswana and Poetavango has resulted in the P180 000 sponsorship towards the 10^th Maun International Arts Festival (MIAF) billed for November 20 -25.

Speaking during a media briefing to unveil the new partner in Maun recently, Poetavango events manager Thato Molosi appreciated the financial assistance from Orange Botswana saying it would make an impact in the development of arts industry.

He said their new partner would  finance the music component during the festival while dialogue with other potential sponsors continued.

Molosi further noted that the week-long festival would feature activities such as exhibition and literature fair, visual arts exhibition as well as open street jam where diverse cultures would be celebrated.

Other activities include poetry night that will showcase both local and international comedians at the Okavango Craft while on the last day, participants would take village walks to appreciate the community’s lifestyles as well as a boat cruise.

As such, he thanked the sponsors for supporting their long term vision developing and promoting arts including literary, performance and visual arts.

He said the arts festival  is a celebration of creativity, culture and arts through performances and displays. 

The festival also fosters for artistes development through a series of workshops.

Molosi said the festival would attract participants from Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, adding that they were also expecting some festival directors from United Kingdom to exchange ideas and best practices on best they could develop the festival.

Poetavango chairperson Legodile Seganabeng also appreciated the assistance from Orange Botswana, noting that funding remained a serious challenge.

He acknowledged support from their past partners and government saying they contributed to the growth of the organisation and the festival.

Orange Botswana representative Gakenabetsho Kgori said Orange Foundation through Orange Botswana was committed to investing in the growth of music, arts and culture in Botswana.

He said the mobile operator annually invited festival organisers and music groups in Africa to submit projects for funding through its corporate sponsorship programme.

 He revealed that Poetavango was chosen as one of the recipients of support.

“Our commitment to the professional inclusion of young artists aligns with a broader global mission to be a driving force for positive change and the Orange Foundation for music stands as a pillar for support, championing the cause of social inclusion through the arts,” he added.

Kgori appreciated the festival saying the profound benefits that came with hosting the event in Maun brought both economic and social benefits to the local community.

 “This event is a true testament to the vibrancy and richness of music and arts in Botswana. It is not just a festival but a celebration of creativity, our vibrant culture and the enduring spirit of artistic expression,” he added.

He noted that Maun had become a renowned tourist destination not just for the festival but as a place that left a lasting impression on tourists and visitors attending the festival. Ends