Port Louis
The creative industries and cultural heritage of Port Louis, in western Mauritius, are key drivers for community regeneration, and attractive centres for new talent development and innovation. The Aapravasi Ghat, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is deeply interwoven with the city’s culture and traditions, particularly its musical heritage. It represents an excellent opportunity for the safeguarding, transmission and promotion of Port Louis’ cultural heritage. The City boasts 92 National Heritage sites and 40 sites of heritage significance, including Fort Adelaide which is currently under renovation. Upon its reopening, this important cultural locale will host a diverse agenda of cultural activities, and support the development of creative hubs, thereby promoting innovation and broadening opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector. The Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture (NMCAC) supports the richness and variety of African and Creole music, arts and culture through various forms of cultural and social activities. The Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) advocates for cultural and artistic talents, working towards the preservation and advancement of Islamic music and culture through research, analysis and dissemination. Port Louis is also home to a rich international cultural scene. Renowned for its authenticity, Chinatown is for example one to the city’s salient cultural assets, showcasing Chinese traditional music and cuisine. The streets of Port Louis are a frequent stage for artists and performers. The Jardin de la compagnie serves as a cultural musical platform for artists. It provides access to and participation in cultural life, particularly for vulnerable groups and individuals, fostering youth engagement and gender equality.
As a Creative City of Music, the following steps will be important: • Partnering with diverse stakeholders to invite UCCN member cities in the field of music to participate in international forums, webinars and festivals; • Collaborating with Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) and relevant experts to host online platforms; • Collaborating with the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the private sector to support the creation of the National Regeneration Programme (NRP) by facilitating project developments; • Identifying spaces and facilitating administrative procedures for the creation of cultural spaces, notably for music; and • Providing venues to hold training and workshops in the field of music in collaboration with instructors and experts.
