BCI and Instituto Camões join forces to promote art and culture in Mozambique

BCI and Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language strengthened their partnership through the signing of a protocol, celebrated at the Portuguese Cultural Center in Maputo. The agreement, which aims to support projects in cultural education, access to art and community strengthening, was signed by the Director of Camões, José Amaral Lopes, and the President of the Executive Committee (PCE) of BCI, Francisco Costa, in the presence of the Ambassador of Portugal to Mozambique, Jorge Monteiro.

On that occasion, Francisco Costa highlighted the bank's commitment to the country's development. "BCI is present, and wants to be present, in everything that concerns the life of Mozambique and Mozambicans," he stated, referring to the Camões Institute as "a specialized and leading institution in the dissemination of art." For this reason, he emphasized that "this partnership makes perfect sense."

Furthermore, the PCE emphasized the role of culture and art as pillars of national development and identity, highlighting the need for continuous support for artists. “There is no art without support. And this support must be financial, but also include the promotion and dissemination of artistic production,” it stated. On the other hand, it highlighted the importance of media libraries as fundamental spaces for exhibitions and book launches, opportunities that the new protocol will help to expand.

In turn, the Director of Camões, José Amaral Lopes, agreed with this view, stating that "in a context where artistic creation demands talent, dedication and resources, BCI's support not only makes projects viable, but also strengthens an entire cultural ecosystem." He further added that, by investing in art, BCI actively contributes to community building, the aesthetic education of the public and the enrichment of society.

The Portuguese Ambassador, Jorge Monteiro, praised BCI's commitment, considering the bank's continued support for the Portuguese Cultural Centre "always noteworthy". "It is a noble mission, for which we are deeply grateful," he stated. In conclusion, he expressed his conviction that "the Camões Institute and BCI form a winning partnership" and that this is only the beginning of a promising path in promoting the arts and bringing the two countries closer together through culture.

To symbolically mark this new phase of the partnership, the ceremony also served as the opening of the visual arts exhibition “Mudaulane 4.1 – Quotidianos”, by the renowned Mozambican artist Celestino Mudaulane. The exhibition, which brings together works of painting, drawing and ceramics, served as a concrete testament to the impact of this type of collaboration. The artist shared elements of his international career and thanked BCI and Camões for the indispensable support they have provided to his career and to Mozambican culture.