About

About the Seychelles National Institute of Culture Heritage & the Arts

The Institute is a self-governing and independent body under the authority of the Head of State and is the highest policy making body with responsibility for culture, heritage and the arts for the preservation, protection, promotion and appreciation of the Seychellois cultural heritage.

MANDATE

To undertake steps for the realisation of Article 39 of the Constitution of Seychelles:

“Article 39 (1) The State recognises the right of every person to take part in cultural life and to profess, promote, enjoy and protect the cultural and customary values of the Seychellois people…

 (2) The State undertakes to take reasonable steps to ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage and values of the Seychellois people”. (Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles, 1993)

The Seychelles National Institute for Culture and Heritage will promote the right to freedom of expression, to create a favourable environment conducive to the development and enjoyment of the Seychellois cultural life, values and Creole identity.

POLICY VISION

A Seychellois nation proud of its culture, heritage and diversity united by our Creole identity

as enshrined in the Preamble of Constitution of Seychelles

“…AWARE AND PROUD that as descendants of different races we have learnt to learn to live together as ONE nation under God and can serve as an example for a harmonious multi-racial society;…”

POLICY MISSION

To safeguard, preserve and promote the culture, heritage and the creole identity of the Seychellois people as an island nation.

FUNCTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE

The functions of the National Institute are to—

(a) formulate policies for the identification, preservation, conservation, restoration, promotion for the sustainable development of the creole culture, heritage and arts of Seychelles and to have supervision, direction and control over the constituent institutions;

(b) advise the Government on policies on culture, heritage and the arts of Seychelles and to ensure preservation of the Seychellois identity, culture, and heritage;

(c) administer a recognition award programme for special achievement and important contribution in the area of culture, the arts and heritage;

(d) ensure the promotion and appreciation of the Seychellois creole culture and identity by providing opportunities for every Seychellois to experience cultural life and to develop their creative abilities and skills;

(e) encourage artistic excellence and innovation by promoting and developing artistic and creative strengths nationally and internationally to maximise societal, economic and reputational values for the country;

(f) provide equal access to cultural and artistic resources;

(h) engage, and support the different forms of media for the development and promotion of culture, heritage and the arts;

(i) promote intercultural cooperation both nationally and internationally in the fields culture, heritage and the arts;

(j) support the organisation of exhibitions and programs to educate, and sensitise the society;

(k) create, preserve and exhibit a national collection of Seychellois artworks;

(l) acquire, build, restore properties and artefacts of national, cultural and heritage importance relevant to the Seychellois culture heritage and the arts;

(m) support events, programmes and activities for the preservation, promotion and transmission of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Seychelles;

(n) administer and manage small grants, subsidy schemes and the National Cultural Fund;

(o) regulate artist and performers in the creative industry by way of permits; and

(p) perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by any other Act.