Art can come to symbolize an era and bring back memories both fond and sad.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said this while delivering his address while officiating at the “Mana Voyage in Darkness” concert held at the Civic Auditorium last night.
Mr Bainimarama said art can express profound feelings when mere words fail us and it can transcend boundaries of class, religion or political ideology.
“In a democratic society, art must be free to flourish. People must be encouraged to express themselves in the way that best suits them, including through the visual arts and music. And that means all the people, not just the people who are fortunate enough to have all their senses and all their limbs,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“I am grateful to the people behind the art initiative that we know as “I See Love In Your Eyes” for recognizing and nurturing the potential of our visually impaired citizens to produce art,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said the concert will directly support the “I See Love In Your Eyes” arts initiative, which means it will directly support those children.
“By being here tonight, you are helping to fund the coaching and mentoring in art and music that these special children will receive. You will be helping them develop skills that will last a lifetime—and you may even be giving a critical hand to some of Fiji’s greatest future artists. And all you had to do is buy a ticket and enjoy the music. It sounds like a good deal to me.
“Our Constitution enshrines equality of opportunity for all persons, including the disabled and the hearing-and-visually impaired. The Fijian Government has put in place laws and programmes to ensure that equality. But equality is not just the job of Government. Each of us has the responsibility to make that principle real.”
Mr Bainimarama also acknowledged the organisers of the event and special mention was made to Jane Rem-Seam, the wife of Ambassador of the European Union in Fiji and the Pacific, Sujiro Seam.
