Visitors of all ages have been welcomed at the "Galerie Delafontaine", Rue Jacques Dalphin 24, by representatives of the Nairucu-Arts Association. This exhibition illustrated Makonde Art from Northern Mozambique in its various forms: sculpture, terracotta, and painting. Selected legends based on some of the sculptures on display as well as the legend of the origin of the Makonde, were explained during a guided tour. Associated with the exhibit was a project called, "Legends from the Makonde reinterpreted".

• After visiting the exhibition, the students selected a legend and have been asked to make a drawing. The project carried out under the supervision of the art teacher of the student's school was possible thanks to the support of various schools from Carouge, Geneva and nearby France.
• Inspired by the legends and sculptures, drawings made by students in Europe and Mozambique will be exhibited in the participating schools, in Mozambique and elsewhere during 2010 and 2011.

Nairucu-Arts was given the opportunity to participate to the Vogue and was with a stand at the Place de Sardaigne, explained the project and showed articles produced to raise funds for the children free-time building in Rapale, Mozambique. The Vogue a popular traditional event offered a warm time of celebration and conviviality to the many thousands persons having attended it.

On the day of the celebration for the 10th year anniversary of the National Ethnographic Museum of Nampula, a donation was done to the Museum of Makonde sculptures, terracottas and painting by the artists from the Nairucu-Arts Centre (see attached programme). It took place in the presence of her Excellency the Mayor of Nampula, of the Director of the National Ethnographic Museum, Dr. Pedro Guilherme Kulyumba, and several other authorities. For the Nairucu-Arts Centre were present: Ana Sirage, Eduardo Patricio Namembe, Director of the Centre and the artists as well as Emir Sirage.

Nairucu-Arts was present at the Karlsplatz. The representatives of the association explained the project and showed articles produced to raise funds for the building of the art school in Rapale, Mozambique.This event, highlighted by a children's culture caravan, an African clown show, live music and dances, was an opportunity for many visitors to get an insight into a world comprising many different cultures.

In the Workshop organized by UNCTAD, members of Nairucu-Arts (Marilena Bianchi-Streit, Ana Sirage and Eduardo Patricio Namembe) provided a presentation entitled: "Centro Nairucu-Artes Via Rapale, Nampula. The how and why, an example of Cooperation between Europe and Mozambique" at the Euro Africa Campus for Cultural Cooperation, Joachim Chissano Conference Centre, Maputo, Mozambique.
The main aim of the Campus is to provide a meeting, training and exchange centre. Cultural agents in Africa and Europe can reflect, transfer knowledge, exchange experiences and set up joint initiatives in the field of cultural cooperation in the broader context of the contribution of culture to sustainable development. This is an initiative of the Observatory of Cultural Policies in Africa (OCPA) and the Interarts Foundation, held in partnership with the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation for Development (AECID) and in cooperation with the City of Maputo and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Mozambique. Other sponsors include Africalia and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Sculptures and paintings from the Nairucu-Arts Centre - A Better Future Through Art - were exhibited to give a good overview of the current artistic production from our Centre, showing Makonde Art from Northern Mozambique. This event was opened by His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza, the President of the Republic of Mozambique. During a guided tour, representatives of Nairucu-Arts presented :

• Posters illustrating Mozambique history, geography and its natural attractions, the achievements realized by the country in the field of education and economic development, the Makonde art, the Nairucu-Arts Centre and its artists.
• 22 Blackwood Sculptures,
• 2 Terracotta Sculptures,
• 7 Paintings.

The President of Cultural Activities Committee of the United Nation Office at Geneva introduced the speeches given by the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and the President of Mozambique. The exhibit was under the high patronage of Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva and Frances Rodrigues, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mozambique to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

The beginning of activities at the Centre was marked on the morning of the 20th of April by a traditional African ceremony officiated by Mr. Canrroa the local master for such type of ceremony. The Nairucu Arts Centre was officially opened by Mr. Baraca, the Chief Administrator of Rapale in the presence of Dr. Jacinta Macario, the Chief of the Education Department of Rapale. The leaders of Rapale and many other guests of Nampula participated in the ceremony. Opening speeches were given by the Artistic Director of the Centre, the Communication Officer of the Centre and the Chief Administrator of Rapale.
The visit to the Centre and the exhibition room was followed by traditional dances by a Macua women dance Group and thereafter by songs from the children of the "Rapale Coro".

The Nairucu-Arts project was presented to the Heidelberg International Professional (HIP) Women's Forum, founded by Shuchi Sharma. Title: "Blending Skills to Build a Better Future: Launching a Handicraft Centre and Art School in Mozambique". The purpose of the Heidelberg International Professional (HIP) Women's Forum is to bring together women from various international firms and backgrounds to allow us to exchange ideas, learn from one another's experiences, and develop skills that will enhance both personal and professional success. The hope is that such a forum will also provide an opportunity to connect women who are seeking new challenges and directions with others who have distinguished themselves in their profession and community.

Makonde Art Sculptures by Patricio Eduardo Namembe were exhibited from 16 to 26 February in the Main Building at CERN in Meyrin. This exhibition was organized by the CERN Staff Association. It was opened in the presence of:

• Councillor Minister of the Permanent Mission of Mozambique in Geneva, Dr. Elias Zimba
• Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Mozambique in Geneva, Juvenal Dengo;
• President of the CERN Staff Association, Gianni Deroma
• Person responsible for the Staff Association exhibits, Sonia Casenove.