On Thursday 8 November 2018, Ballanta Music
Academy, on Liverpool Street in central Freetown, launched their
mini-auditorium project to turn a dirty, open garage into a state-of-the-art,
150-seat, concert hall. Against a whitewashed wall, the Ballanta signature
band, “Groovy Colours” welcomed guests and provided the backdrop for the launch
reception.
Tani Pratt, Chair of the Ballanta Academy
Board of Directors, said, “This Academy and our future auditorium will nourish
the youth and create a home for music and arts.”
“We will turn this space into a performance
space that will attract music lovers and concert-goers of all ages,” said Kitty
Fadlu-Deen, the Principal of the Academy. “This space will fill a hole in the
arts and music environment in Freetown. We’ll be able to host concerts – big
and small – and it will be affordable for all groups.”
The auditorium space was designed by Jarret-Yaskey,
Garber and Associates (jyga Architects) and will feature a raised wooden stage,
150 seats on two tiers, changing rooms, washrooms, and box office space. The
entire project is expected to cost $60,000 USD.
The imaginative design was unveiled by
Julius Spencer, a Ballanta Academy Development Committee Member. He said, “The
Chinese Embassy, whom we are grateful to, has kick-started our fund-raising and
we have started the renovations.” The Chinese Embassy donated $10,000 USD to
the mini-auditorium and has pledged to support Ballanta with musical equipment
in the future. A representative of the Chinese Embassy said this project was
out of passion and a commitment to the youth of the country.
Julius Spencer added, “We know the
importance of arts in a society and an individual. Our creativity exists
despite our education system, which does not nurture imagination or creativity
or arts.” He continued, “Ballanta has been educating and entertaining people in
the performing arts for years and a mini-auditorium is our next contribution to
the growth of the arts in Sierra Leone.”
“The government will realize that the
creative arts can open a vast employment opportunity for young people… in
music, film, dance, theatre and other arts,” Spencer noted. “We have lost our
creative instinct and become imitators. But, Sierra Leoneans, young and old,
are thirsty for good quality entertainment. At this venue, they will be
entertained and educated… to the ultimate benefit of the country,” Spencer
said.
To turn a garage space into a concert hall
will not take a miracle… just hard work, commitment and a bit of money. Kitty
Fadlu-Deen said the Academy has started fund raising and hopes to raise enough
money to finish the project by March 2019. “We will be soliciting donations for
the mini-auditorium from corporations and individuals. It’s a very important
and significant effort and we hope more people get involved.”
Ballanta Academy of Music is at 27
Liverpool Street in Freetown. They can be reached at 232 30632671 or ballanta.info@gmail.com.
8/11/18
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