Koulse region: The Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Gilbert Pingdwende Ouedraogo, officially launched the Regional Culture Weeks (SRC) 2025 this Saturday as a prelude to the National Culture Week (SNC) 2026. The ceremony took place in the Koulse region, attended by the Minister of Secondary Education, Dr. Aboubacar Savadogo, along with administrative and religious authorities, artists, and a large audience.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Ouedraogo emphasized the importance of culture as a unifying force and a foundation of resilience during his speech. He highlighted the presence of attendees as a testament to the vitality and unity that culture brings. He praised the artists for their creativity and talent, stating that they are the true ambassadors of heritage and the builders of a strong cultural future.
SNC Director General Christiane Sanon/Coulibaly encouraged artists to innovate and produce quality works. She addressed the artists as the messengers of collective memory and the builders of an inspiring cultural future. She urged them to take pride in representing their regions and promoting Burkinabe culture.
The ceremony also featured speeches from the Minister of Secondary Education, representing the sponsors, and the Prefect of Kaya. The 2025 SRC introduces several innovations, including holding the event in September instead of October to provide more preparation time for selected artists. The artistic disciplines have been expanded from three to five categories, and a repechage system has been introduced in ballet and choreography for candidates achieving an average of 14/20 or higher. Technical adjustments have also been made, particularly in the culinary competition.
For the first time, the Burkinabe diaspora living in Niger will participate in the regional selections. Until the new regions are operational, the SRC 2025 will take place from September 6 to October 23 across the country's 13 regions.