The curtains of the 21e edition of National Culture Week (SNC) closes this Saturday, May 4. In this interview, the general director of the SNC, Christiane Sanon, takes stock before the time of the organization of this biennial of culture, Bobo 2024.
Christiane Sanon (C.S) : We can say that the results are positive because all the planned activities were implemented without too much difficulty. The opening ceremony gamble was won and I think we can be satisfied with this outcome.
SI: What are the difficulties encountered?
C.S : At the start of the week, we had put in place a device to access the stadium which was not respected because in the meantime the hours had changed. The populations who should have water upon returning to the stadium were not served. This time difference and the rush disrupted all our plans for the opening of the SNC. This explains the complaints on opening day. Also, we noted with desolation the surplus of delegations coming from the regions despite the awareness raising before the event. The troops came in excess. Last year at the catch-up edition, we tolerated this surplus while making them understand that this year, they would have to respect the number, but nothing! As a result, the food ration could not satisfy everyone because people who were not expected were added to the load. These are, among other things, the difficulties we encountered. In view of the inconvenience that these difficulties may have caused, I would like to offer the organizing committee’s apologies to the festival-goers while hoping to do better for future editions.
S.I : Have the innovations helped to improve the organization, particularly accommodation and transport which were criticized in the previous edition?
C.S : We were indeed inspired by the difficulties we experienced last year to be able to put artists at ease by offering them accommodation with a minimum of convenience. Despite all this, there were difficulties that emerged and I think that we will also take measures to remedy them in order to perfect the next Editions.
SI: Did things go well compared to the 20e editions, catch-up edition?
C.S : Yes, compared to the catch-up edition, we were able to take up the challenge of innovation in online sales. Online ticket purchases have been very popular. Yesterday for example (editor’s note Wednesday 1is May 2024), there was a shortage of 500 F CF tickets online. Last year there were long queues, but with online ticket sales we didn’t experience this problem. This really facilitated access to the different sites, particularly the craft and trade fair.
SI: In a word, what can we learn from the organization?
C.S : It is certainly true that everything has not been perfect, but already, I say thank you to the authorities who allowed this 21e edition of the SNC can take place. This was really not easy given the context in which the country finds itself. It took political will to allow us to hold this cultural biennial. Thank you to the population for supporting this event by coming out massively for the opening of the SNC, and for the various activities. A word of thanks to the partners who believed in us and our innovation projects and who supported us. Finally, thank you to the guest country of honor, Niger, which came with a large delegation to show us parts of its culture.
Comments collected by Kamélé FAYAMA