Tanzania welcomed in US cultural fete
 
2006-10-18 08:54:17
By Angel Navuri

	The First Lady, Salma Kikwete.

Tanzania has been welcomed to participate in the United States’ International Folklife Festival.

According to a press release from the US embassy in Dar es Salaam, the fete incorporates the largest collection of 17 museums and related research organizations.

The First Lady, Salma Kikwete, according to the press release, pressed for the inclusion of Tanzania in the event during her recent tour of the US.

”The Smithsonian Institution in the United States incorporates the largest collection of museums in one country in the world – 17 museums and related research organizations,” reads the statement.

Since 1967, the Smithsonian’s Centre for Folklife and Cultural Heritage has mounted an annual Folklife Festival that is visited by over one million people and seen by an additional 30 million Americans, says the statement.

Exhibits typically highlight arts and culture from several regions in the United States and at least one foreign country, says the statement.

The Folklife Festival is the largest yearly cultural event based in the American Capital, says the statement.
During her trip to the United States in September, First Lady, Salma Kikwete met with managers of the Smithsonian to convince them that Tanzania should be fast-tracked for participation in the Fair.

”I know most countries send you letters, memos and pictures but Tanzania sent me, the First Lady, to convince you that Tanzania should be chosen as a participant in the Folklife Festival,” the statement quotes Mama Kikwete as saying.

Explaining that Tanzania would make a vibrant addition to the Festival, Mama Kikwete displayed photos of Tanzanian’s colorful Tinga Tinga painting, intricately carved Makonde wood sculpture, Kangas and Kikois.

”Dazzled by the impressive cultural artifacts and the First Lady’s enthusiasm, festival managers assured the First Lady that Tanzania’s participation would be welcome,” says the statement.

Mama Kikwete convinced the Smithsonian team that Tanzanians were up to the task, inviting them to visit the country next year for a first-hand meeting with the people, their culture and history, says the statement.

• SOURCE: Guardian