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Mona Dance to hold festival in Port Harcourt

By Omiko Awa
25 September 2016   |   2:30 am
Nigeria’s performing arts industry holds huge potential that can be harnessed to transform the economy and achieve prosperity. Convener of International Festival on Contemporary Dance ...
PHOTO: ifcod.com

PHOTO: ifcod.com

Nigeria’s performing arts industry holds huge potential that can be harnessed to transform the economy and achieve prosperity. Convener of International Festival on Contemporary Dance (IFCOD), Mrs. Elo Inyeinengi-Etomi, said while briefing the press on IFCOD, billed to hold in Port Harcourt from October 4 through 8.

According to her, “Over 80 youths have been engaged and are being paid salaries, as part of the forthcoming IFCOD event. I believe this is a proof of how performing arts, if properly harnessed, can be a big contributor to the nation’s economic development”.

She noted that although the film industry had achieved some form of success and global recognition, its potential is yet to be fully explored due to different factors, including limited investment, absence of regulating standards and ineffective regulation.

IFCOD, according to her, was specially designed to address some of these issues by trainings youths in sound, light, costume design, stage make-up, filmmaking, photography, set-building and design and academic curriculum development.

Inyeinengi-Etomi said, “The vision of IFCOD is to inspire and advance excellence in the performing arts. This festival, being the first of its kind, is to hold in October 2016 and has ‘Inspiring A New Era In The Performing Arts’ as theme. Our mission is to empower artists, as a reflection of societal image.”

She also said IFCOD would draw and establish an inter-disciplinary connection with other professions to maximise economic possibilities in the performing arts. IFCOD is being organised by Mona Dance, a Rivers State-based dance school. This year’s festival would be held in partnership with River State government and will feature master classes, international circus acts, thrilling performances, investment forum and exhibitions.

According to Inyeinengi-Etomi, participants would be drawn from within the African continent and other parts of the world.

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