Baboucarr Etu Ndow, Proprietor of Tumbunto Arts Village Gallery in Tujereng, Western Region, has said that the arts profession is really growing in the country.

“We have more and booming prospective young talented and creative minded artists in the country, all excelling in their respective areas. The country has lots to offer for the development of arts and culture. The commitment and will power is there,” he said.

Mr. Ndow made these remarks in an interview with Arts and Culture recently. He spoke at length on his arts gallery which was established in 2002 and meant to activate, promote and develop the spirit of arts and culture in the country, Africa and the world at large. According to him, many people do visit the arts village gallery for different reasons, saying it attracts students from different schools, both within and outside The Gambia, especially students from universities in Europe.

He further noted that he frequently organises arts exhibitions, workshops, among others, at the village gallery, all geared towards activating the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia and the world at large. “I do work as a guest arts lecturer in different learning institutions, such as the Gambia College, School of Education and other schools, both within and outside The Gambia,” he said.

He acknowledged the role of the media in the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in the country, Africa and the world at large.

Mr. Ndow then took the opportunity to appeal to the government of The Gambia, private sector and individuals, to redouble their efforts and strive for the development of arts and culture in the country.

The Gambia-born artist expressed appreciation to Mrs. Kathleen Stafford, wife of the out - going US Ambassador to The Gambia, for her contribution to the development of arts and culture in The Gambia.