South Africa in Colours 2011 / Vienna, Austria
Each friendship begins with an introduction. This is why South Africa chose the most picturesque way of introducing itself– through SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS festival that has been held in Vienna for the first time, from 23 – 26 of June 2011.
SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS presented the incredible fusion of South African cultural heritage and contemporary artists and performers combined with advanced presentation techniques. Over 4 days South Africa in Colours showcased the very best in live, energetic performances, visual art, contemporary decor and hand crafts, brought by over 100 South Africans visiting Vienna. The city of Vienna recognized our good intentions and represented itself as an excellent host that has opened its doors in the prestigious Museum Quarter which is one of the world's largest complexes for modern art and culture.
SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS has been an exceptional firework of South African culture. Great success has been achieved: spectacular performances from fabulous South African artists were memorable in an exciting and breathtaking way, and a massive interest has been produced regarding South African culture, art, people, tourism, crafts and the way of living in South Africa itself. In these few days, more than 20.000 visitors had enjoyed in great energy that was brought by South African artists through various colorful segments. This festival was also recognized and visited by many VIP guests and in 3 days it attracted a huge media attention.
SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS festival represents the cultural bridge that bonds South Africa and Europe. Exchange of cultural and customs between South Africa and Europe generated bridges of friendship amongst its people, and that has been one of the main goals of this manifestation.
Lira
| This mega selling singer is undoubtedly one of the hottest performing artists in South Africa at the moment. Her music is a sweet mix of Afro-Jazz, RnB and Soul. Recognizable by her own style, she combines the RnB sounds with Jazz influences to create a unique sound. It’s international and transcultural but always soulful with a touch of jazz, positivity and a lot of groove. |  |
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Caitlin – an electric violinistCaitlin is an electric violinist that does things her way - with unstoppable energy and pure, uninhibited passion. A one-of-a-kind performer determined to make her (stage) presence known – young, wild and born to perform… and she’s only just getting started. |
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David Tlale
The main attraction for all fashion followers was surely the fashion show by David Tlale, world-wide famous, award-winning designer who released his 2011 Europe Autumn/Winter fashion collection during the SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS Gala opening on June 23rd. Fusing the fashion show into the other stunning Gala opening music and dance performances resulted in a world class fashion presentation.
Traditional South African Performances
With South Africa in Colours festival visitors had a chance to personally experience the masterpiece of South African dance by watching a simply captivating performance. Numerous performances of South African traditional dance group Zama Zisa provided an insight into the diverse South African cultural heritage through various dances including the Koi – San. Many visitors had a chance to learn some moves as well!
South African Crafts
SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS Craft market enable Visitors the opportunity to see and purchase the best examples of South African crafts and also to witness the creation of unique hand made products on site. Craft market offered thousands of high quality gifts and accessories for sale to suit every taste.
Moya Afrika
Curiosity of this festival was the promotion of “Moya Afrika” – exclusive décor and lifestyle products of great artistic value which are designed and manufactured in South Africa.
Moya Afrika is a ‘living Africa’ brand carrying the ‘excellence of Africa’ through many lifestyle products ranges including art, interior décor, jewelry, high end crafts, fashion etc. Moya looks after Ardmore Ceramic and Fabric ranges, also Kaross range of embroidery by Shangaan people, Rebtex sisal rugs, Popolimpo Ceramics, Thornhigh ranges, and much more.
South African visual art
SOUTH AFRICA IN COLOURS visitors had the opportunity to see ‘’Meeting point’’, advanced Art Exhibition showcasing 12 top developing South African visual artists that will visit Vienna. The exhibition comprises a total of 65 works comprising paintings and sculptures. ‘’Meeting point’’ represent the explosion of South African cultural creativity.
South African tourism
Today, South Africa is one of the most popular world touristic destinations with unbelievable large number of attractions and highly developed infrastructure. In one moment you can explore ancient locations of human origin, next one dive with the dolphins or climb a mountain, one moment enjoy on a beach or be on safari and the next moment have dinner in exclusive restaurant or even ride in a jet plane! All that in one country!
South Africa in Colours presented the best South Africa tourist attractions to large number of visitors and European tour operators as well.
About Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria, one of the wealthiest countries in European Union and 12th richest country in the world in terms of GDP. Vienna is by far the largest city in Austria, with a population of about 1.7 million (2.4 million within the metropolitan area – more than 25% of Austria’s population) as well as its cultural, economic and political centre. Vienna is host to many major international organizations, such as the United Nations and OPEC. In 2001, the city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vienna is one of the main European cultural centers famous for its history and rich cultural offer. Austria’s past as a European power and its cultural environment have generated a broad contribution to various forms of art, most notably among them music. Serious music lovers have long considered Vienna to be just this side of paradise: one encounters music everywhere, from the sounds of a child practicing a Mozart piano sonata through an open window to street musicians playing classical as well as folk music. No other city has been home to so many composers of international renown: some, such as Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg and Berg were born there, others, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms and Mahler chose to live there.
Tourists are eager to visit Vienna because of the city's exciting combination of the royal-imperial flair of the past with the latest trends, the responsible cultivation of a precious heritage and charming traditions. But much more than old buildings turn Vienna into a city of beauty: one also finds excellent museums, fine art collections and world-renowned works of art in the city. Vienna boasts 50 theaters, including three opera houses and two theaters staging musicals, more than 100 art museums, which together attract over eight million visitors per year.
Vienna is a city with a very high quality of life, a feature that is highly appreciated by the many visitors who come to the Austrian capital. And it wouldn’t be Vienna if the extravagance were not accompanied by a hint of the city’s typical charm. In a 2005 study of 127 world cities, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked the city first (In a tie with Vancouver, Canada) for quality of life.
South African in Colours festival was held in prestigious Museum Quartier venue (MQ) which is one of the world's largest complexes for modern art and culture. It is an art space with a total of nine permanent museums and exhibition and event halls, an urban living space and meeting place for people interested in culture in Vienna, and a creativity space for the 60 or so art and culture initiatives based in quartier21.
Located in the middle of Vienna, the MuseumsQuartier is an oasis of culture and recreation with museums, the quartier21 creative cluster, courtyards, outdoor restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries are joined with contemporary museum architecture to create a one-of-a-kind architectural setting that attracts more than 3.6 million people a year.
The MQ is recognized as ideal place for South Africa in Colours festival having in mind that it present Vienna highly visited ’hot spot' place and that it’s a great starting point for a wide variety of activities. South Africa in Colours presented some of the spectacular South African stars and present them for the first time to Austrian audience.
Unforgettable experience is guaranteed!
| MuseumsQuartier Wien, Museumsplatz 1, A-1070 Vienna |
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Find out more about South Africa in Colours program...
