“This is a regional pre-conservatory that will combine educational training and musical instrument learning, preparing these young people to later enter any conservatory in the world,” explained the Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, Augusto Veiga.
The project was initiated following a visit by the Director-General of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an entity of the World Bank, and initially envisioned the creation of a cultural campus with a conservatory of music and performing arts.
However, the decision was made to start with the pre-conservatory, which will integrate academic education and musical training.
“The idea is to start with young people aged 13, 14, not only from Cape Verde but also from the African continent, especially West Africa,” he stated.
“For the first time, the World Bank will fund projects in the creative industries, and Cape Verde will be the starting point. This financing includes the Cesária Évora House Museum, the study of the impact of culture on the Cape Verdean economy, and the music pre-conservatory,” he added.
In June, a memorandum of understanding was signed, and the government is now discussing technical details and setting a timeline with the World Bank.
“The goal, besides serving Cape Verde, is to cover the West African region. We believe that culturally, we should be more proactive regarding the African continent. In this way, we combine the useful with the enjoyable, giving a regional dimension that aligns with the government’s program, which aims to attract major events and structures to Cape Verde,” he noted.
Regarding the study of the impact of culture on the economy, the minister stated that the proposal and budget will be presented “very soon.”
The work, which will last one year, will cover all the islands and major cultural events, updating data that is about 10 years old.
“We are confident that the study will impact the appreciation of the cultural sector, helping to attract more investment and strengthening our position in the discussion of the State Budget,” he concluded.
