In what can be described as a positive development for the country's  Arts and Culture industry, Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow, a renowned Gambian  artist, was awarded by the China Ministry of Culture,  Arts Association and Architectural Society of China.

This somewhat rare artistic award for a Gambian born artist came at the end of his 40-day participation in the  9th edition of the famous Changchun International Sculpture Arts Exhibition and Symposium, held from 26th July to 5th September 2008 in China.

The Changchun International Arts Exhibition, which started in 1997, this year brought together over 42 internationally renowned artists throughout  the world.  A  total of 8 artists were selected from Africa to participate in this global exhibition. All  participants had the golden and unique opportunity to exhibit and permanently place their art works in the Changchun World Sculpture Park.

The erudite artist  had exhibited and placed his   work entitled "Spirit of Hope''  alongside the Gambian  flag in the famous Changchun World Sculpture Park. This art exhibition centre  is expected to be visited by  millions of visitors.

According to a statement  written on a certificate  issued by the government of China in collaboration with the  Arts Association, Architecture Society of China, and the National Guiding Committee for Urban and Sculpture Institute  of China, Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow's artist work will be  permanently  displayed  in the Changchun World Sculpture Park. The statement further noted that this  certificate was specially  awarded to Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow.

Reacting to the award, Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow described his participation in the exhibition as a veritable guide to the much talked about issue of promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia, Africa and the world at large. He added that the award was a real pride to him, the entire Gambian art industry and to all Gambians and non-Gambians.

"Its a place that calls or engages your sense of sight. Its a real manifestation of the famous saying that "Artist are the conscience of the nation and society". There was a high spirit and adoration of human creativity, especially in the world of arts and culture.

The exhibition explored the real beauty of artistic work in a more systematic and professional way desirable at both local and international level,'' Mr Etu Ndow explained.

According to Mr Ndow, this is the first time that a Gambian flag  and  the  work of a Gambian artist  is being permanently  displayed  and exhibited at such an  international artistic  centre.

Mr Etu Ndow, further described the China arts exhibition as a real cutting edge experience for  an artist, as it brought together art critics, experts and other prominent personalities  in the world of arts. As he graphically put it, the art exhibition was held in a very peaceful atmosphere coupled with a deep sense of love for art works and the world  of creativity.

"The programme is geared towards bridging the cultural divide, building on  the much needed  and  talked about spirit of  love, peace  and unity  amongst people of the world. The event was characterised by  extensive  brainstorming on topical issues confronting the world of arts, especially on the need  to share ideas, technology  and other issues," he said.

He further stated that the next might be  held in the  next three or so years. "I was well received and respected by both the organisers and other participants at the 9th edition of the famous Changchun  arts exhibition. The exhibition was a real testing ground for my  level as a professional and I think, that  reflected to a great extent on where I came from, The Gambia. It was an experience that I will never forget. I met with thousands of other well  established  and sprouting artists. I took or gained a lot and gave a lot. It was a really ideal sharing and  learning ground for all the participants,'' he said.

The Holland Arts exhibition
In a similar development, Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow, is set to leave Gambian soil this week for Holland, where he will join and participate in yet another international arts exhibition. This arts exhibition is organised by  an organisation called The  Better Future, A  charitable  non-governmental organisation (NGO), which aims for, among other things, poverty alleviation, promotion and strengthening of the spirit  of inter-cultural  exchange  between diverse  cultures throughout the world as well as to promote and build on the much needed and talked about  universal peace and love, among  others.

The Holland-based art  exhibition, is expected to last for 8 weeks. Commenting on this exhibition,  Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow described it as yet another success story for the development, promotion and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia, especially the arts industry of the country. "The organisers of this special arts exhibition have extended an invitation to both me and my  little three-year old son, also called Etu Ndow, to attend and participate in it," he said.

Mr Etu Ndow added that he was greatly moved by the step taken by the organisers of this arts exhibition in extending invitations to both him and his three-year old son. He described the invitation as a clear manifestation of the love, respect and affection the organisers have developed for his art work.
"I am really touched by the move taken by the organisers and I honor them for that and I will live up to expectations," he said.

According to the renowned Gambian artist, upon  his return from Holland, he intends to concentrate on his art works, especially his newly established  arts project called the Kindergarten Arts, located  at his Tunbung Arts Village Gallery in Tujereng, Kombo North,Western Region (WR).

The Kindergarten Arts project, Mr Babucarr Etu Ndow noted, is another philosophical approach to the world of artistic work. He  assured the Arts and Culture desk of his determination to do his best for the development, promotion and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in The Gambia, Africa and the world at  large. He added that the Kindergarten Arts project is geared towards the maximum utilisation of potentials in children. The project aims to catch the children young in the world of arts and tap their potentials for the benefit of all.

Mr Ndow, seized the opportunity to call on the government of The Gambia, the private sector and  individual philanthropists to  extend helping hands to the country's arts industry. He noted that arts is a profession which contributes significantly in the socio-economic, human and political development of any given country, especially a Third World country like The Gambia. He reassured both Gambians and non-Gambians alike of his resolve to work towards the promotion, development and preservation of the spirit of arts and culture in the Gambia, Africa and the world at large.