Derik Cultural Festival organisers ask government to build theatre and public library in Juba

The Chairperson of the Derik Cultural Festival Organising Committee has appealed to the government to construct a theatre and a public library in Juba to promote cultural activities and provide young people with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents.

Speaking during the opening of the sixth edition of the Derik Cultural Festival at the University of Juba, festival president Mathiang Cirilo urged the Minister of Information and Acting Minister of Culture, Ateny Wek Ateny, to convey the request to President Salva Kiir and the Council of Ministers.

Cirilo said the absence of adequate theatre facilities in Juba limits opportunities for artists and young people to present their creative work and develop their talents.

“We need a theatre and a public library that are open to young people and children, giving them opportunities to read, learn and showcase their creativity. We cannot talk about promoting knowledge and culture while lacking the facilities needed to support them,” he said.

He estimated that a public library could be constructed for less than one million US dollars, while an economically designed theatre could cost approximately two million dollars.

Cirilo said the proposed theatre would serve not only the Derik Cultural Festival but also other cultural events, artistic performances and official government activities.

He recalled that a former vice president received a similar request during the festival’s opening ceremony about four years ago, but the proposal to construct a theatre at the University of Juba or another location has yet to be implemented.

“This is not my personal message, but a message from the audience of the Derik Cultural Festival. We want you to convey it to the President and present it to the Council of Ministers because Juba needs a theatre that can serve young people and promote the country’s cultural development,” Cirilo said.

Responding to the appeal, Minister Ateny Wek Ateny said he would convey the request to President Kiir and the caretaker government.

Ateny explained that ministers have access to the President through government meetings, but anyone seeking a private meeting must formally submit a request to the Office of the President, explaining the purpose of the proposed audience.

Cirilo also invited the minister to attend the festival’s closing ceremony on November 14 to witness the creativity and artistic performances presented by participants.