General Information
Technical Information
With the support of project 'Reshaping Cultural Policies for the Promotion of Fundamental Freedoms and the Diversity of Cultural Expressions' funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), a Capacity Building Workshop/ Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Meeting was held from 08 to 10 October 2019 at the Intercontinental Resort Mauritius, Balaclava, under the guidance/ leadership of Prof Vesna Copic, UNESCO's Expert Facility and Dr Hans Ramduth, National Expert to UNESCO. The services of both experts were enlisted by UNESCO, to lead the Mauritian National Team in the putting up of its first Periodic Report, in a participatory manner. This meeting was aimed at increasing the understanding of the reporting process that underlies the 2005 UNESCO Convention. The objective was to ensure a dialogue between Government and actors of the Civil Society for the elaboration of that first Quadrennial Periodic Report.
Following the approval of Government, letters were sent to all Ministries concerned and Civil Society Organisations informing them of the importance and obligation of Mauritius as a member state towards UNESCO, for the submission of the Quadrennial Periodic Report. Prior to the meeting, the Ministry made a request to nominate a firm member from the technical cadre and an alternate member from the administrative side as focal point to look into the issue of this QPR. About 52 members participated in the capacity building workshop over a period of three (3) days. The composition of this workshop was gender sensitive with participation of 27 males and 25 females.
This Ministry invited representatives of Rodrigues and Agalega to participate in the workshop. However, due to time constraints, the Rodriguan participant could not attend the workshop. Consequently, arrangements were planned for the National Expert to proceed to Rodrigues for a similar workshop. However, due to Covid-19 Pandemic, same could not be carried out. Alternative arrangements were then made to collect data from Rodrigues.
Due to non-availability of funds, because of the delay in the creation of the Vendor Account by UNESCO (process initiated in October 2019 and completed in March 2020), it was impossible to hold other training workshops with the members of the National Team. Inputs were however sought from the different parties/ stakeholders, including civil society organizations and compiled information have been input online.
After the confinement, a meeting was held on 09 June 2020 with members of the Press for specific inputs related to Media Diversity. However, this meeting had a low turnout.
As a party to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, Mauritius is committed in protecting the cultural and creative sectors and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions in the main island and its other islands.
Since the Independence of Mauritius in 1968, the multi-ethnicity of the Mauritian population has ensured that a diversity of languages and forms of cultural expression were always safeguarded. As Mauritius continues its rapid transformation, the creative industries are another sector for the diversification of its economy, and several policies and measures have been designed and implemented, namely in the last four years.
Since the ratification of the Convention in 2006, besides the above, Mauritius, through concrete policies and measures, has promoted the mobility of its artists and cultural professionals around the world.
This first reporting has helped shed light on those areas that have been overlooked or not given due consideration, and that require further support from the State. Now is the time to work on the integration of culture, as the creative economy sector, in strategic and fundamental long term planning.
The main objectives and priorities of the Government of Mauritius policies to implement the convention are:
(i) To encourage and support the participation of the Civil Society by giving them full support to encourage freedom of associations in the creative sector through advocacy and activities to raise awareness.
(ii) To collect data and information through surveys and policies in the fields of arts and culture for indicators to make cultural industry a pillar of the economy.
(iii) To devise a policy for the monitoring of cultural industry.
(iv) To initiate action for the enactment of the Status of the Artist Legislation.
(v) To conduct advocacy-building activities on artistic freedom, economic and social rights for cultural professionals.
(vi) To ensure mobility of artists through Cultural Exchange Programmes and participation in international festivals.
(vii) To work towards a digital Environment in the fields of arts and culture.
Organization type | Organization | Website | |
---|---|---|---|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage
| marekion@govmu.org
| http://www.culture.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity
| oidcgm@intnet.mu
| |
Public Sector
| Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology
| dpentiah-appadoo@govmu.org
| http://www.education.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management
| http://www.localgovernment.org
| |
Public Sector
| Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development
| tnathoo@govmu.org
| https://mof.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade
| mfa@govmu.org
| https://foreign.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity
| rshadoobaccus@govmu.org
| https://social.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Tourism
| http://tourism.govmu.org
| |
Public Sector
| Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection
| ycoopoomootoo@govmu.org
| https://commerce.govmu.org/English/Departments/Pages/Trade-Division.aspx
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation
| aramloll@govmu.org
| https://mys.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training
| vmoonian@govmu.org
| https://labour.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare
| mah-nien@govmu.org
| https://gender.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Commission for Arts and Culture
| comforyouth@gmail.com
| |
Public Sector
| Arts Section
| lbhiwajee@govmu.org
| |
Public Sector
| Serge Constantin Theatre
| sergeconstantintheatre@gmail.com
| |
Public Sector
| President’s Fund for Creative Writing (PFCW)
| presidentfundcw@gmail.com
| http://www.pfcw.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Mauritius Film Development Corporation
| mauritiusfilm@intnet.mu
| http://www.mauritiusfilms.mu
|
Public Sector
| Conservatoire National de Musique Francois Mitterrand
| dir.cnmfm@gmail.com
| http://conservatoire.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Film Classification Board
| fcb@govmu.org
| http://culture.govmu.org/Pages/Department/Fcb.aspx
|
Public Sector
| National Library
| natlibmu@gmail.com
| |
Public Sector
| Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA)
| copyrightsoc@intnet.mu
| |
Public Sector
| Fashion and Design Institution (FDI)
| y.nubee@fdi.mu
| http://www.fdi.mu
|
Public Sector
| Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) Customs
| http://www.mra.mu
| |
Private Sector
| Passport and Immigration Office
| ccpio.mpf@govmu.org
| http://passport.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| National Arts Fund
| reypas@intnet,mu
| |
Public Sector
| National Computer Board
| kusmani@cert.ncb.mu
| http://maucors.govmu.org
|
Public Sector
| Economic Development Board
| Anshinee@edbmauritius.org
| http://www.edbmauritius.org
|
Public Sector
| Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
| dhinesh@mtpa.mu
| http://www.mtpa.mu
|
Public Sector
| Statistics Mauritius
| fmoserdee@govmu.org
| http://statsmauritius.govmu.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
|
Public Sector
| Mahatma Gandhi Institute
| hansramduth@gmail.com
| http://www.mgirti.org
|
Public Sector
| Indian Ocean Commission
| veronique.espitalier-noel@coi-ioc.org
| https://www.commission.oceanindien.org
|
Private Sector
| Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation
| kendyonly@gmail.com
| http://www.mbcradio.tv/mbc
|
Private Sector
| Air Mauritius Ltd
| contact@airmauritius.com
| http://www.airmauritius.com
|
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| Association des Ecrivains Rodriguais
| carelmar15@gmail.com
| |
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| pARTage
| krisb612@yahoo.com
| https://partagemauritius.wordpress.com/
|
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| Shining Stars
| jaydookhy@gmail.com
| |
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| Loïs Lagesse Trust Fund (School for the Blind)
| l.lagesse@intnet.mu
| |
Mo’zar Espace Artistic
| mozarespaceartistic@gmail.com
| ||
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| Rodrigues SolidArt
| xtofkazi@yahoo.com
| |
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
| MARCA Sports & Wellness
| elvis.cateaux@marcamauritius.com
|
Goal 1 - Support Sustainable Systems of Governance for Culture
Cultural and Creative Sectors
Promotion of Arts and Culture
7.9M USD (Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage only)
Promote the development of a creative and cultural economy (Rodrigues)
286,000 USD
Measures and policies have to be enhanced to better empower local artists.
National Drama Festival
140,000 USD
* More facilities for theatrical activities to be made available
* Exchange of experience between local artists and foreign artists
* Invite professional troupes to perform in Mauritius
* Invite professionals from abroad to train local artists
* Up to date technology to meet the digital innovative trend together with traditional theatre
* Hold workshops (in connection with theatre) at regional venues, by local professionals
General Assistance to Artists
2016-2017: 75,750 USD
2017-2018: 75,750 USD
2018-2019: 96,000 USD
2019-2020: 78,000 USD
Policy for the hiring of Serge Constantin Theatre and Pointe Canon Open Air Theatre
National Arts Fund
1,250,000 USD
Assistance/ Publication of books
Year Assistance (USD) Publications(USD)
2016 3000 2125
2017 1125 1875
2018 3375 438
2019 3000 1175
Accessing Film Shooting application form for a fast-tracking process.
It is a time-saving and useful way for both the filmmakers and the administrative officers. It speeds up the process and can easily be rectified if needed.
Organisation of International Film Festivals in Mauritius
Japanese Film Festival 1,345 USD
Russian Film Festival 2,055 USD
Egyptian Film Festival 1,690 USD
Chinese Film Festival 2,355 USD
International Film Festivals decentralize the world of film. It is a meeting place for filmmakers around the world in its variety, different approaches and forms, as well as a medium of expression. Film festivals offer filmmakers a platform to introduce their work and discuss topics shown in the film as well as the filmmaking process. Hence, such festivals encourage and create dialogue between filmmakers therefore discovering a new sight on cinema and its creativity. It also enables networking in the sector and lobbying for bringing foreign crews for shooting in the country.
Film Rebate Scheme
Year Amount Disbursed (USD)
2016 432,125
2017 5,822,568
2018 2,651,922
2019 5,116,142
The Film Rebate Scheme has led to an increase in the inflow of currency to the country, contribution to tax revenue, creation of employment opportunities; increase in Foreign Direct Investment; Talent development of local art lovers (artists, producers etc) and development of a film industry in Mauritius.
National Award
USD 152,750
Involvement of youth in the cinematographic field representing an attractive career opportunity
45,000 USD
The cinematographic field is not a traditional sector thus generating a curiosity in the youngsters who have suggested a repeat on the different workshop training.
Cinematography is not common in Mauritius, therefore, this new programme has created an encouragement among our youth. Studying the film industry is allowing students gain practical experience and build their CVs, as well as having a great opportunity to sample a profession. The course not only consists of the traditional programme but also introduces new fields such as drone operation, make-up artist and special effect make-up artist, costume designer, set designer and so on. With this non-usual experience, with sophisticated technology and an ability to analyse their own work, they are able to graduate as a highly employable individual.
Organising and conducting training in artistic fields in Centre de Formation Artistique (CFA)
100,000 USD
Demand for similar services is increasing. Refresher courses have to be organized for trainers/instructors and resource persons.
Nine Year of Continuous Basic Education
458 million USD
Music Courses at Certificate & Diploma Levels
USD10,000
Since the implementation of the policy of payment of International Music Exam Fees by the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Heritage, there has been an increase in the number of candidates taking part in exams; in addition, those having obtained the certificate are getting employed in the music sector as supply teachers. Moreover, it has been evaluated through results and there has been 100% Pass Rate.
Scholarship for Music Studies overseas
Financial resources allocated (for a 2-year period): US$14,700.
Training/Bursaries to Mauritian Students in the field of arts and design
The courses are successful.
Undergraduate programme in Digital Arts (2008 - 2020) and Media Arts (2019 to present)
Approx 50,000 USD
Tracer studies show that this a high demand creative sector, with good job prospects for students. Furthermore, this is enabling companies to recruit talent for working on international projects (films, games, etc).
Training to Mauritian Students in the field Design
The partnership of Pearson UK (World's leading Company with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services, powered by technology) and other professional bodies is helping achieve progress through access to a better learning, which opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives.
Links are continuously being created between students and the industry.
Assistance Scheme to promote vocational and technical training
120,000 USD
- Youth have been able to upgrade in fields related to arts & culture
- Youth have been given the opportunity to be exposed to another horizon for an exchange in fields of arts & culture
- Youth are being prepared for the labour market based on the island requirements
Prix Indianocéanie
20,000 USD
It has been proposed to launch the 'Prix Indianoceanie' every two (2) years to give writers time, have more funding to improve the communication and to launch a price for young people.
Media Diversity
Classification of Movies (both local and foreign) and stage plays
75,000 USD
National Cybercrime Strategy 2017-2019
Supporting the diversity of cultural expressions by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation
Digital Environment
Setting-up of an online platform for sales of arts oeuvres announced in budget 2020/2021 for Rodrigues
20,000 USD
VFX & Digital Film Animation Conference
Other such promotion events should be organized to attract additional studios in the VFX and Digital Animation services.
Mediatheque
12,500 USD
To render the online platform at the National Library more attractive and services to be provided on a 24/7 basis.
Create awareness among the population with special attention to the partially impaired individuals.
Upgrading and transitioning of the sound system of the MGI auditorium, from analog to digital
140,000 USD
Upgrading and transitioning from analog to digital for the Panini Language Lab at MGI
200,000 USD
Better support for the teaching of Indian languages taught at the MGI
La digitalisation du système à la MBC
140,000 USD
Migration of light and sound from analog system to digital technologies at Serge Constantin Theatre (SCT) and traditional light halogen to led technologies for SCT and Pointe Canon Open Air Theatre.
175000 USD
Promotion of Local Artists on board the National Carrier
Evaluation is done through customer feedback and the playlist is altered accordingly. Local Artists are very happy to have a free international market through Air Mauritius.
Partnering with Civil Society
Assistance to Socio Cultural Organisations
Year Budget Allocation (USD) Amount Disbursed (USD)
2016 50,000 41,750
2017 50,000 44,250
2018 50,000 49,000
2019 50,000 39,750
Atelier de Slam Poésie
9000 USD
Residential Drama Workshop
140,000 USD
Goal 2 - Achieve a Balanced Flow of Cultural Goods and Services and Increase the Mobility of Artists and Cultural Professionals
Mobility of Artists and Cultural Professionals
Employment (Non-Citizens) Restrictions Exemptions Regulation
Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs)/ Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation (MOUs)
Year Details Amount Particulars
USD
2016/2017 Artists from Pakistan icw Eid 7,500 Per-diem
Mauritian Artists to China icw Folk Festival 1,650 Per-diem
Artists from India icw Eid 6,60 Per-diem
Artists from China - Henan Arst icw Spring Festival 2017 2,660 Per-diem
Artists from India icw Maha Shivaratree 640 Per-diem
Mauritian Artists to Egypt icw Festival of Drums 1,095 Per-diem
Total 14,205
2017/2018 Bollywood Artist form India 24,440 Per diem
Artists to Seychelles-32nd Edition of Festival Kreol 1,070 Per diem
Artists from India 938 Per diem
Mauritian Artists to Delhi icw Africa Festival 1,422 Per diem
Artists Week - Malagasy 1,985 Per diem
Total 29,855
2018/2019 Mauritian Artists to Seychelles - Festival Kreol 880 Per diem
7,255 Passage Cost
Artists from Mozambique icw Abolition of Slavery ,875 Per diem
1,125 Passage Cost
385 Accommodation
Artists to Egypt - Aswan International Festival 2,310 Per diem
102,475 Passage Cost
Mauritian Artist to Madagascar icw Journee Internationale de la Francophonie 35 Per diem
Artists from India - Divali 2018 15,565 Passage Cost
Delegation to Rodrigues -Festival Kreol 2,648 Passage Cost
Artists from India icw Maha Shivaratree 1,610 Accommodation
Artists from Rodrigues icw Dragon Boat 1,575 Accommodation
Total 136,738
2019/2020 Artists to India - Ramayana Festival 1,660 Per diem
Artists from India 740 Per diem
Antariksh Bollywood Band 2,850 Accommodation
Mauritian Artists to Seychelles icw Festival Kreol 2019 777 Per diem
Artists from China - Spring Festival 2,088 Per diem
Artists from India- Maha Shivratree 683 Per diem
Komiko Group - Festival Kreol Seychelles 4,160 Passage Cost
L B Ferre & ors - Festival Kreol Rodrigues 1,087 Passage Cost
Total 14,045
,
MOBILITY OF ARTISTS IN RODRIGUES
(i) Artists from Abroad to Rodrigues
Artists Group Exchange Programme Country Period Amount Spent
(USD)Mr. Mr Laurent Hoareau Adobe Reader Effect Workshop Reunion 18 Nov 2016 750
Chinese cultural artists Martial Art, Acrobatic and Magic Show China 8 - 11 May 2017 2,010
(MACH& CCC) at Malabar Gymnasium
(ii) Artists sent to other countries from Rodrigues
Le Chou College Coupe du Monde de Slam de Poesie: France 24 May 2016 4,850
Slam Team (Funded 12eme Grand Slam Intercolleges
partly by MAC) et Lycees 2016
Chung San Society Dragon Boat Festival 2016 Mauritius 5 June 2016 680
(five air tickets)
Cultural delegation: 31st Edition Festival Enternasyonall Kreol 2016 Seychelles 24 -29 Oct 2016 12,230
15 artists + 1 Officer
Harel Casimir Sommet de la Francophonie Madagascar 14- 27 Nov 2016 570
Mr. Jean Daniel Rencontre des Poet de L'Indiennocenie Reunion 3-4 Feb 2017 1,000
Raboude &
Ms. Christiana
Perrine
Chung San Society Dragon Boat Festival 2017 Mauritius 21 May 2017 1,350
(10 air tickets)
Five artists Journee de la Culture Rodriguaise Mauritius 2 July 2017 815
Sega tambour group Festival Moutya 2017 Seychelles 5 - 9 July 2017 4,900
(5 artists)
Mannyok (Air Ticket 8eme Jeux de la Francophonies, Abijan Cote dIvoire 21 -31 July 2017 NA
Rod - Mru - Rod only) Cote d'Ivoire
Cultural delegation 32nd Edition of the Fetival Enternasyonal Kroel Seychelles 25 October - 11,730
(10 artists + and Laserenade Enternanasyonal 1 Nov 2018
Mr. M. R. D. L. E.
Ravina)
Marie Dianola SAGAM International Dance Festival 2017 Mauritius 16 - 17 Nov 2017 875
Prudence,
Christine
Waterstone,
Sylvain Agathe
Jacques D. Legentil
Chung San Society Dragon Boat Festival Mauritius 10 June 2018 1,625
(10 air tickets)
Cultural delegation: 33rd Edition of the Festival Enternasyonal Seychelles 25 Oct - 1 Nov 2017 10,776
10 artists + 1 Officer Kreol and 2nd Edition Laserenade Enternasyonal
Chief Commissioner
Marie Dianola SAGAM International Dance Festival 2018 Mauritius 13 -19 Nov 490
Prudence,
Christine
Waterstone,
James Steward
Edouard,
Emanuel Agathe
& Juliette Ernest
Chung San Society Dragon Boat Festival 2019 Mauritius 2 June 2019 2,100
Mr. Jean Daniel Fete de la Francophonie Seychelles 20-23 March 2019 1,500
Raboude &
Mr. Stelio
Pierre Louis
Sakili (3 artists)- Tour d'Europe Europe 4 - 28 June2019 1,875
financial assistance
Cultural delegation: 34th Edition of the Festivl Enternasyonal Kreol Seychelles 25 -28 October 420
16 Artists Group and 3rd Edition of Laserenade Enternasyonal
CULTURAL EXCHANGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME (CEAS) SINCE 2016
The CEAS is a scheme providing financial assistance to Rodriguan cultural groups and artists to participates in CEP abroad.
Artists /Group Exchange Programme Country Period Amount
Group Ambiance Tropical Africolor France 5 -9 July 2016 2,500
Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Festival International de Guitar Classique France 24 - 27 Nov 2016 575
Volbert
Group La Flamme des Iles Cuivre de l'Est Reunion 6 -22 Dec 2016 1,900
Group Eko Rod Festival Donia Madagascar 31 May - 4 June 2017 1,375
Ms. Christiana Perrine The Ndhavuko International Performance South Africa 25 -30 Sep 2018 405
Poetry Festival
Group K-Dans 2nd Edition 'Fe Viv Nou Tradysion" Reunion 16 - 24 Dec 2018 560
Rodriguez
Ms. Magda Edouard World Poetry Day Seychelles 21 - 24 March 2019 280
Marie D. Prudenc Agathe Festival Labdihy Madagascar 12 - 24 Aug 2019 355
Participation of Agalean Artists abroad
Year Event Country
2016 Festival Kreol Rodrigues
2017 Festival Kreol Seychelles
Festival Kreol Rodrigues
2019 Festival Kreol Mauritius
International Development Grant Scheme for Performing Artists
Year Amount (USD)
2016-2017 17,720
2017-2018 28,045
2018-2019 21,688
2019-2020 17,720
Participation in roadshows and international tourism fairs and events.
International Festivals in Mauritius
This measure has proved to be a success. The two main events, namely Festival Internasional Kreol and Divali Mela, have benefitted from huge international media coverage.
Flow of Cultural Goods and Services
Treaties and agreements
Trade Agreements for export of Cultural Goods
None
Goal 3 - Integrate Culture in Sustainable Development Frameworks
National Sustainable Development Policies & Plans
Post COVID-19 Relief measures
National Youth Policy
Rs 7.5 M (approx. 215,000 USD) for the two programmes over 2018 and 2019
- The Zenes Montre To Talan would have a wider coverage both in terms of participants and types of talents demonstrated.
- The artists selected will be given opportunities to showcase their talents in national events organized by this Ministry and other bodies.
- They will be offered mentorship to help them sustain their practice and even explore opportunities to develop same for economic gains through employment and/ or setting up of small businesses of their own.
International Cooperation for Sustainable Development
Goal 4 - Promote Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
Gender Equality
Artistic Freedom
Collective Management of Copyright
USD 288,154.80.
The distribution exercises are monitored by the Distribution Committee.
Following representations from the artists' community, Government has agreed to a review of copyright fees. With the prevailing economic conditions due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the new structure of fees would be applicable as from 1 July 2021.
Measures and Initiatives reported by Civil Society Organizations
Promotion of publication of books and related activities for their distribution
Advocate for the government to recognize the status of artists, for a state subsidy for the operation of artists' associations and for the participation of local artists in international art fairs, biennials, etc
Coaching youngsters to create and write humorous plays/sketches in English, French and Creole languages
Renewal of old musical equipment
Lutte contre l’exclusion sociale par le biais de l’apprentissage de la musique
Piknik Lamizik
Figure and Dance on Inline Rollers for shelter girls
Emerging Transversal Issues
Challenges and Achievements
Annexes
Submission
