In an attempt to place arts and culture of the black world at the centre stage of development, Alioune Badara Béye, the general coordinator of the mega-event, on Friday, hosted a press conference at Sun Beach Hotel in Cape Point, Bakau.

After a three-decade abeyance, the third edition of the World Festival of Black Arts (WFBA III) has been scheduled from December 1 to December 20 in Senegal, on the theme: The African Renaissance.

Alioune Badara Béye, who also doubles as the President of the Senegalese Writers Association, told media practitioners that the preparations for WFBA III were at advanced stage, as the Senegalese government has been sparing no effort towards making it a successful event.

According to him, this progress only fuels expectations for WFBA III, which will bring together leading intellectuals from Africa and the Diaspora.

"The festival will draw 1,500 officials and 1,000 invitees from 80 countries,'' he said.
Mr Béye also outlined the strategic objectives of the festival, which will serve as a platform to examine the cultural heritage of the black world; reaffirm the role of artists and intellectuals in the 'African Renaissance'; and promote the protection and the wider distribution of the artistic and cultural works of the black world; amongst others.

He went on to explain the organisation of activities, including up-to-date exhibitions and new efforts to enhance performances in different disciplines such as music, dance, painting, photography, sculpture, design and handicrafts, fashion and design, cinema and video, literature and architecture (exhibition of models).

The press conference was attended by Kaliba Senghore, the permanent secretary at the Department of State for Tourism and Culture, Momodou Joof, the executive director of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Dr Momodou Tangara, who is a member of WFBA's International Organising Committee.