Liberia’s Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, organized the unveiling of more than 200 cultural artifacts at a newly established arts and culture gallery,
a landmark event aimed at reviving and showcasing Liberia’s rich cultural heritage.
The ceremony, attended by key government officials, including Vice President Jeremiah Koung, marks a significant step towards promoting cultural awareness and tourism development in the nation.
In his opening remarks, Minister Piah reflected on the historical neglect of Liberia’s cultural promotion services, especially post-war, stating,
“Today signifies the re-opening of the forgotten Cultural Promotion Chapter within the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism.” He underlined that cultural promotion, which was a priority from 1951 to 1990, had been largely sidelined in recent years.
The gallery features a diverse array of artifacts, including traditional fabrics, masks representing all 16 tribes, artistic depictions of Liberia’s ecotourism potential, woodcarvings of local wildlife, traditional musical instruments, and items reflecting everyday life, such as friendship, marriage, and unity.
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Vice President Koung reaffirmed the government’s commitment to financing culture and tourism, ensuring that efforts to develop tourist sites will go hand-in-hand with the preservation of the nation’s cultural identity.
“Cultural heritage is not just an art form; it is the soul of our nation. It connects our past, informs our present, and shapes our future,” he said during his address at the unveiling Thursday in Monrovia..
The Vice President’s remarks reinforced the ministry’s plans to reactivate the National Cultural Center and revitalize the National Cultural Troupe with the support of local county leadership to recruit new artistic talents from across the country.
The gallery was conceived with the visionary input from Liberia’s former Cultural Ambassador, Queen Juli Endee. Minister Piah acknowledged her significant contributions, stating that without her efforts, the integration of cultural promotion within the ministry would have remained obscure.
Piah announced plans for a collaborative effort with UNESCO to rejuvenate the National Museum, which is envisioned as a place for students and the public to engage with Liberia’s cultural heritage in a meaningful way.
The event was infused with a sense of optimism, as attendees witnessed the unveiling of the gallery which stands as a testament to Liberia’s diverse cultural legacy. Minister Piah expressed hope that this initiative would foster national unity and economic prosperity through the celebration and promotion of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.
