Mentawai to join arts festival

Mentawai to join arts festival

PADANG, West Sumatra: Mentawai district will represent the
province of West Sumatra at an indigenous arts festival in
Montoire, France, from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20.

Provincial official Alimin Sinapa said here Saturday that a
cultural troupe from Mentawai would perform and exhibit at the
festival, to be participated in by 60 countries.

He was quoted by Antara as saying that the troupe from
Mentawai, an isolated island, would depart for France in July.

The group is due to participate in seven other festivals in
French cities.

Sinapa said that Montoire festival director Jean Francois
Proux had asked West Sumatra's administration to send a videotape
on Mentawi traditional arts that could be screened on French
television.

"Mentawai's participation in the festival is significant
because it will promote the province's culture and tourism in
France," Sinapa said.

He said the troupe would also exhibit local handicrafts at the
festival.

"It will be a great advantage for us because it is an
international standard festival," he added.