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Mauritius has a rich history in the field of art and culture. Being a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious country, it has inherited the great cultural traditions of
Europe, Asia and Africa. During its history of two and a half centuries, these traditions have been perpetuated by its prople and by a great number of writers, poets, sculptors and artists.
Cultural activity is lively and diversified due to the existence of a wide range of cultural associations and societies which have as objective the promotion of arts and
culture. Mauritis possess one of the oldest archive centres in the southern hemisphere, dating back to the beginning of French settlement. The oldest theatre was built during the early years of British
occupation.
Mauritius has the oldest press in the region and the numerous daily and weekly newspapers regularla carry features on cultural matters. Radio and television have broad-based
programmes and promote as well as transmit a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.
The cultural policy of the government is to preserve and promote ancestral traditions, values, resources and cultural heritage. It is the policy to ‘cherish all linguistic and
cultural diversities where each and every individual can safeguard, promote and be proud of his roots and where he can affectively contribute to nation building in the context of a dynamic pluri-cultural
mauritianism.
The Mauritian identity is not seen as a uniform and static concept. It is dynamic and is constantly evolving through interaction with other cultures and ideas. A separate
Ministry for Arts and Culture has been set up with a view to provide a platform for the development of all art forms which are the richest expressions of our country’s culture. It organises a number of
programmes which include drama festivals, films festivals, workshops for artists and painters, music and song festivals. The Mauritian sega is a national emblem that unites the different ethnic groups.
In 1986, a copyright Act was passed to give legal protection to authors and composers and to provide the necessary impetus to intellectual activity.
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