FESMIR : 1 - 10 March 2013 - The Battle for the Sea

We have met Mamadou NDiaye, better known as THIA in the arts world, regularly during last years and recognised the versatiliy and social engagement of his artistic mission.

The latest tribute to his inspiring work was the interview with him in the occasion of his participation in the exhibition "Memory of the Penc and villages in Dakar", the third edition of that festival on Lebou culture, which took place on 17 July 2012 in the Grand Theatre of Dakar.

Over the years, he has also taken some cues from the work of Mundus maris.

This was becoming more evident in the occasion of the works he displayed at the Festival of the Penc, where he himself highlighted the interest in putting the sea and the need for its protection into the centre of his artistic production.

This is why we are particularly pleased to collaborate actively with the forthcoming festival FESMIR.

Its motto is taken from the title of the 2002 documentary "Battle for the Sea" of the Senegalese film director Moustapha Ndoye. Ndoye passed away prematurely, but has left a lasting impact on the collective memory.

"Battle for the Sea" is a most fitting title for associating the arts to the social and environmental struggle, particularly of traditional fisherfolk, for their place in rebuilding healthy marine ecosystems and in society at large.

Mundus maris has been invited to contribute to the programme of the 2013 edition of FESMIR and to act as a sponsor, an invitation which we are only to happy to comply with. 

 

Aliou Sall, Vice-President of Mundus maris, therefore met THIA and the group of organisers and artists in the preparation of the festival to discuss practical collaboration.

They met in THIA's workshop in early February and discussed in some detail how best to articulate the inputs to FESMIR.

The photo to the right shows the group in lively conversation: (from left to right) .

Mamadou NDiaye, called "THIA"; Mouhamadou Moustapha Diack, Coach of FESMIR; Aliou Sall; Daouda Dia, art photographer specialised in the theme of water; and Gaelle Kouaté, better known under her art name "Cassis".

Stay tuned to the next steps and the different artistic and social activities of FESMIR 2013, including the children's programme.