Michael Manga and Malick Ceesay, both renowned Gambian artists, recently exhibited their works in Bissau, the capital city of Guinea.

The arts exhibition, which commenced from 16th December 2008 will run through to 31st January 2009. It was organised by Madam Maria Cardos Dasylva, a specialist in the world of arts, in collaboration with the Centre  Cultural Franco Bissau Guinea. Centre Cultural Franco Bissau Guinea is another multi-purpose cultural centre built by the French government just like Alliance Franco-Gambienne on Kairaba Avenue.

The cultural centre is meant, among other things, to promote French culture and other related cultures throughout the world. The exhibition is sponsored by Ecobank’s Guinea Bissau branch and the theme is ‘Art without border.’

Micheal Manga, in  a recent chat with Arts and Culture shortly before his departure to attend the programme said the exhibition is a success. The official opening of the exhibition brought together senior Guinea Bissau government and private sector officials, as well as people from the office of the European Union (EU) in Guinea Bissau and the Gambia’s ambassador to Guinea Bissau, Cherno Barra Touray.

According to Manga, the exhibition aims among other things to promote inter-cultural relationships between The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and beyond. It is also part of a series of activities meant to restore the much needed spirit of peace and unity in Guinea Bissau through the use of arts. “We are grateful to all those who in one way or the other contributed towards making the exhibition a success such as the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), The ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries and the security operatives at check points from The Gambia to Guinea as well as the organisers of the exhibition,” he said.