Colomboscope brings art and life to old rail terminus
The organisers unveiling their plans for Cinnamon Colomboscope 2017.Pix by Amila Gamage
Cinnamon Colomboscope 2017, a multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring six days of curated visual and performing arts will take place from September 2-7, at a nontraditional venue – the former Colombo terminus railway station, Maradana under the theme – ‘Re/evolution’.
At a press conference last week to announce the event, the organisers explained that the event will reiterate the importance of environmental sustainability while creating conversations around the impact humans have on the planet. Since its inception five years ago, this event has been conceptualized by the European Union National Institute of Culture (EUNIC – Goethe Institut, Alliance Francais and British Council). This year, it is sponsored by the John Keells Foundation, Cinnamon Life and JAT Holdings, Sri Lanka, while the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will be the destination partner.
Curator of Cinnamon Colomboscope 2017 Menika van der Poorten elaborated on the theme of the event – ‘Re/evolution’. “It’s to celebrate the intersection between art, environment and culture and the transformative role that art plays in all our lives,” she said, adding that they are planning to have many curated events including a guided tour .
Director of Goethe Institut (member of the European Union National Institute of Culture, Sri Lanka) Dr. Petra Raymond said the role of the European Union National Institute of Culture (EUNIC) is to help foster understanding of other countries through art. She feels that this event will be even more special because of its venue. “Living up to the reputation of seeking out nontraditional venues around the city, Colomboscope will again be at a historic location around the city that has great significance for Sri Lanka and Colombo, the former Colombo terminus railway station, Maradana, no longer in operation,” she stated.
Vice President, John Keells Group, Dileep Mudadeniya feels that the event will inspire people which he feels is important in life. “If the purpose of life can be defined as being happy, Cinnamon’s vision is to go beyond and inspire the hearts of people,” he said.
Executive Vice President, John Keells Group Nadija Tambiah said the event would be unconventional and therefore, of value to the country. “Interesting events promote tourism in Sri Lanka,” she said.
Cinnamon Colomboscope 2017 will be held from September 2-7 . The event is open to all free of charge.