“Over the years, the focus of entertainment in the country has been centered purely on the music industry which is just a subset in the entertainment industry. This has led to many sectors in the tourism and entertainment industry to standstill. With this workshop, it is an opportunity for young artists to learn new skills in cultural development,” she said, adding that the workshop will allow participants to share diverse ideas on painting, drawings, poetry and more.

The Artistic Director of King Dus Arts, Yayah Turay said: “The workshop plus ten days’ festival will create jobs for Sierra Leoneans in the country, in addition to numerous benefits attached.” He added that the training workshop is getting assistance from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, British Council, Rokel Commercial Bank, Africa Young Voices Media among other partners.

Launching the festival officially, the Director of Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Foday Jalloh thanked the management of King Dus Arts Festival for such a brilliant initiative.

He said: “The ministry has secured funding for the Arts and Entertainment Policy that will attract all sectors in the ministry.” He went on to say that the ministry is ready to be part of every program that is sustainable and achievable under the New Direction government. “Inasmuch as tourism is the face of Sierra Leone, we will catch the young people with programs that will empower them for the future of the country,” he said.

In the next ten days, the workshop will explore youth with talents in diverse artistic skills as various arts like poetry; painting among others will be done.