Set to take place all over the province, the seventh annual Mpumalanga Cultural Xperience is aimed at showcasing and celebrating the local musicians, artists and crafters.

Though the festival comes at a time when everyone is dusting off the effects and impacts of the recent pandemic, the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR) has promised eight stupendous shows.

The festival will kick-start on Saturday November 26 with the Traditional Xperience: Bakgatla Ba Moepi Traditional Council.

The MEC for culture, sports and recreation, Thandi Shongwe, said the festival continues to provide a platform for artists, but has developed a strong diversity aspect to it and also seeks to continue inspiring the imagination of the people of Mpumalanga, more especially the youth.

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“The partnership between the DCSR and the Music Creatives Workshop bears testimony to this. Through this partnership, over 500 artists from the three district municipalities have benefited from the workshops every year for the past five years,” Shongwe said.

“The partnership has assisted over 150 beneficiaries to access grants and has a mentorship programme that equips artists to run the business aspect of their music careers. It has also has assisted in creating sustainable employment and skills development, and has unlocked unlimited potential in the creative industry.”

Shongwe said the variety of cultural and artistic events lined up for this year, will demonstrate the importance of promoting arts and fostering social cohesion in the province.

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“This year’s Cultural Xperience will be characterised by a diversity of the pillars that form this one majestic cultural festival. We have brought back the International Xperience and Film Xperience. These pillars were put on hold in the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions,” Shongwe said.

Tickets are available at TicketPro and SPAR branches at R100 each.