Launching of the Seychelles National Institute of Culture Heritage & the Arts

Enshrined in the Constitution of Seychelles is the Right to cultural life and values as stated in

 Art 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.

Cultural heritage of a nation has very high value and is unique. It creates a certain emotion within us and makes us feel we belong to a nation, a country, a tradition, a way of life.   Heritage can be a driver of development that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. Moreover it can be an enabler of inclusive economic growth attracting investment and creating jobs in the cultural industry.

UNESCO defines Culture as a “set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, that encompasses not only art and literature but lifestyles ,ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs (UNESCO 2001)”.  In order to ensure that future generations can enjoy, benefit and learn from the legacy of the past, it is a collective responsibility to protect and safeguard our cultural heritage.

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.