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The Cultural Arts Centre ANTSHOW was opened in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo in 2002. It was established to promote Malagasy arts and artists, providing cultural enrichment and economic benefits to the country. The founder is Rasoanaivo Hanitrarivo, leader of the internationally known Malagasy band Tarika and she will also be your host at the centre unless she is on tour!

In Madagascar, the arts permeate everyday life to create a lively and intense environment. The aim of ANTSHOW is to channel this energy to work towards the development of local arts and of the Malagasy nation as a whole. The purpose-built complex is in itself a symbol of how traditional ways of life in Madagascar can be turned into beautiful contemporary art that everyone can enjoy, participate in and be proud of.

ANTSHOW was established to promote talented artists from all around Madagascar, the Indian Ocean, and eventually from around the world. Artists meet up; show their work, exchange ideas and share experiences. A special emphasis is placed on encouraging exchanges of national and international artists. The centre will welcome foreign artists who can help local ones to value their work and keep it alive and thriving.

Some of the activities on offer will include live musical events, exhibitions, workshops, educational projects, discussion groups, and the organisation of specialised tourism guided by experts in music, dance, textiles, crafts etc. All of this supports the aim to train, develop, promote and give pride in artistic skills (including marketing and management) and to generate much needed income and status for Malagasy artists.

ANTSHOW needs to become self-sustaining as well as to recoup the start-up costs. As a result, the Centre is developing special services to ensure the economic long-term viability of the project. The complex includes a function room for live shows and local Malagasy food is served upon request. A project of a craft shop, spaces for press conferences, discussion groups, a rehearsal place and eventually a recording studio is under its way.

ANTSHOW also offers guest rooms for visiting tourists who would like to be in touch with genuine Malagasy art, history, food, games, and life in general. Each room is carefully and personally created in Malagasy style to a comfortable standard.

In addition, the centre house the successful Valiha High Association, founded by Rasoanaivo Hanitrarivo, friends and family in 1997 to teach children traditional instruments free of charge. It is also the home of the band TARIKA BE after almost 15 years of musical career, they now finally have a permanent place to build and store instruments, create, rehearse and eventually record.

ANTSHOW will be pleased to hear from anybody who may be willing to give help in establishing the centre and achieving its aims. Financial sponsorship, offers of equipment, or participation in training of valuable skills will all be much appreciated in theses early stages.