By Nangamso Mabindla
29 October 2004

THE arts in the Eastern Cape received a major boost on Thursday, 28 October when the province's first audio-visual centre was launched in a glittering ceremony in East London.

First mooted in 1998 by the department of sports and recreation, arts and culture, the University of Fort Hare and Buffalo City, the centre aims to nurture musical talent in the province and put an end to the province's exodus of talent.

Guests at the launch included the premier of the Eastern Cape, Nosimo Balindlela, the MEC for sport, recreation, arts and culture Nomsa Jajula and Buffalo City councillor Sindiswa Gomba.

Local musicians and members of the public also packed the Seaman Building on Oxford Street.

The multipurpose centre, which will cost an estimated R22-million once complete, will boast two edit suites, four practice rooms, a main studio, a voice room, a restaurant and other facilities needed for a recording studio.

It will be able to host around 500 people, with a fully equipped stage for future music extravaganzas.

Jajula said her department was excited that the centre had finally become a reality. "I hope this centre assists us in our efforts to promote music and eradicate the scourge of poverty in our province. We also want to promote Xhosa cultural music," she said.

She pledged her department's support to the centre saying that she hoped the centre would also bring investors in the province. "Of the money proposed for this groundbreaking project, the department has already spent R5-million."

Speaking on behalf of Buffalo City mayor Sindisile Maclean, Gomba said: "We want to create a dynamic studio where we will produce and promote locally nurtured artists. We want to prepare them for the demanding music market."

Dressed in her trademark traditional outfit, Balindlela called on local people to embrace the centre and use it to promote the province. "We want to see you make the best of the opportunity to showcase your talent; make sure you are heard."

Balindlela also took the opportunity to urge businesses to support the centre.