Read Hanitra's latest report on 2003's ANTSHOW activities

The cultural arts centre Antshow, which has just been opened in Madagascar's capital Antanarivo, was established to promote Malagasy arts and artists, providing cultural enrichment and economic benefits to the country. The founder of Antshow is Hanitra Rasoanaivo, leader of the internationally known Malagasy band Tarika.

In Madagascar, the arts permeate everyday life to create a lively and intense environment. The aim of Antshow is to channel this energy to work towards the development of local arts and of the Malagasy nation as a whole. The purpose-built complex is itself a symbol of how traditional ways of life in Madagascar can be turned into beautiful contemporary art that everyone can enjoy, participate in and be proud of.

Antshow was established to promote talented artists from all around Madagascar, the Indian Ocean, and eventually from around the world. Artists will meet, show their work, exchange ideas and share experiences. A special emphasis will be placed on encouraging exchanges of national and international artists with Malagasy youth. The centre will welcome foreign artists who can help local ones to value their work and keep it alive and thriving.

Some of the many activities on offer will include live musical events, exhibitions, workshops, educational projects, discussion groups, and the organisation of specialised tourism guided by experts in music, dance, textiles, crafts etc. All of this supports the aim to train, develop, promote and give pride in artistic skills (including marketing and management) and to generate much needed income and status for Malagasy artists.

Antshow needs to become self-sustaining as well as to recoup the start-up costs. As a result, the centre is developing special services to ensure the economic long-term viability of the project. The Antshow complex includes a function room with bar facility, a Malagasy restaurant serving local food, a craft shop, a space for press conferences and discussion groups, a traditional massage place and hairdressing salon and eventually will house a rehearsal/recording studio.

Antshow also offers bed & breakfast accommodation for visiting tourists who would like to be in touch with genuine Malagasy art, history, food, games, and life in general. Each room is carefully and personally created in Malagasy style to a comfortable standard.

In addition, the centre will house the successful Valiha High scheme, founded by Hanitra Rasoanaivo in 1997 to teach disadvantaged children to learn traditional instruments free of charge. It will also be the home of the band Tarika which for the first time in its 10-year career will have a permanent place to build and store instruments, create, rehearse and eventually record.

Antshow will be pleased to hear from anybody abroad who may be willing to give help in establishing the centre and achieving its aims. Financial sponsorship, offers of equipment, or participation in training of valuable skills will all be much appreciated in these early stages.

Contacts:

Tel: (+261) (0)20 22 56547

info@antshow.nu

The Vakoka Project - preserving the traditional styles of Malagasy music.