Algeria hosts collective management societies and creators from around the world for the Salon international de la créativité
The 4th annual International Creativity Fair (Salon international de la créativité) in Algiers took place from April 17th to 21st. Supported by CISAC, the 2018 edition became truly international with 12 African countries coming together for live music performances, movie showings, literary events and an art market.
The fair celebrated the 45th anniversary of ONDA, which organised the event with support from the Algerian Ministry of Culture. CISAC, Writers & Directors Worldwide and member societies came to show support for creative and cultural industries in Africa and beyond.
Writers & Directors Worldwide held its annual congress on April 16th and 17th. The congress drew together audiovisual, dramatic and literary societies to examine how to improve international coordination and mutual support among societies. It also brought FERA, FSE and SAA together to see how W&DW can support their work.
The fair opened at the Ministry of Culture in the presence of the Minister of Culture Azzedine Mihoubi and Malian Minister of Culture N’idaye Ramatoulaye Diallo. Mali was the country of honour for 2018. The Algerian Minister of Communication Djamel Kaouane and the Minister of Education Nouria Benghebrit also attended the inauguration. Prominent artists performed including Amel Zen, Nassim Djezma, Samira Brahmia, Ayoub Medjahed, Célia Ould Mohand and Chemsou Freeklane.
One of the first authors’ societies to be established, SACD, joined with its Director General Pascal Rogard as well as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). WIPO Deputy Director General Sylvie Forbin delivered a message from Director General Francis Gurry at the opening. She praised Algeria’s cultural success and its management of creators’ rights.
The Miriam Makeba Prize jury was announced at the opening. Organised by ONDA in honour of the anti-Apartheid female artist, the prize will be awarded on September 14th. The jury includes Writers & Directors Worldwide Vice President Yves Nilly.
The importance of private copying was to the fore at the fair with the "Private Copying Systems, Challenges and Opportunities?” conference. The event brought together WIPO, CISAC, SACD, ONDA and CIAM. Moderated by Sylvie Forbin, the conference discussed the contributions private copying levies have to creators and national economies. The creativity fair itself was financed by funds from private copying.
On April 19th, the CISAC Regional African Committee Executive Committee (CECAF) held an exceptional meeting to examine progress and upcoming actions to improve collective management in Africa.