June 25, 2010 Arts Cafe Opens on July 3rd
The rich and dynamic tapestry of Zambian culture will soon have a new home in Livingstone with the opening of the Livingstone Arts Cafe along Mosi-0-tunya Road across from Protea Hotel. Designed to preserve and promote art and culture in all its forms, the Arts Cafe is the brainchild of the Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation (LiPAF). Their new complex is already capturing lots of attention with its brightly coloured exterior and extensive renovations to the building.
The Arts Cafe is scheduled to have its gala opening on Saturday July 3, 2010. Billed as a place where tourists and local residents can meet and mingle it will host a variety of cultural activities each day. Visitors can participate in a handicraft workshop, learn traditional drumming and dancing, enjoy live African music, browse through the art gallery and library, or take in a performance in the 120 seat theatre space.
The new Livingstone Arts Cafe opening on July 3rd
“The celebration of culture and the arts is a major potential growth area for the tourist capital”, said Bob Gregory, the volunteer executive director of LiPAF. “It also has the potential to contribute significantly to the economy and help to alleviate poverty.”
The Arts Cafe will operate a bar and serve light snacks but is primarily a location to give both up-and–coming and established artists and artisans a location to demonstrate their skills, showcase their talent, and celebrate their rich heritage. For tourists, the line-up of daily and evening activities and events offers an opportunity to experience the real Africa.
The Arts Cafe complex will also be the new home of the Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation where it will stage world-class original music theatre shows celebrating the dynamic tapestry of music, dance, songs, and ceremonies of Zambian culture. Artistic Director, Marilyn Gregory, says: “I am excited about the Arts Cafe’s potential to serve the community and the tourist industry. I hope it will become a place which truly nurtures the talent and traditions of the people of Zambia.”
The Arts Cafe offers all the current tourist operators a new and exciting activity for their guests. With the support of the community it is hoped it will become another reason for tourists to visit Livingstone and stay longer.
Watch for the calendar of events for the Arts Cafe
Tags: africa, arts, arts cafe, dance, Livingstone, livingstone arts cafe, mosi-oa-tunya, photograph, photographs, protea, protea hotel, tourism, Vic Falls, victoria, Victoria Falls, waterfalls, Zambezi, zambezi river, Zambia
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Plenty To Do At The Arts Cafe! « Livingstone Tourism Association
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[...] two months since the LIPAF Arts Café opened in Livingstone. We wrote about their grand opening, Arts Café Opens on July 3rd, on this blog making sure to mention the many exciting activities that they are [...]