The Bank Windhoek Arts Festival officially kicked off with top class performances and exhibitions in March 2006. The Arts Festival will continue with monthly pre-festival activities building up to the main festival that will take place in September. The programme for the month of April was announced at a press conference held at Bank Windhoek. Art connoisseurs can look forward to the following events: – Koos van Ellinckhuizen exhibits stereo-multi imaging installation and paintings of women between April 4 and 8, 2006 at the foyer of the National Arts Gallery. – “Tales from the Hostel” – monologues presented by: The Ombetja Yehinga Organisation on April 5 and 6, 2006 at the NedBank Namibia Theatre School. – “The Bewitched Tree (Lily Erzberg)” from director Sandy Rudd between April 4 and 8 at the NTN. – The Unam Socratic Society discusses the topic: Namibian Identity at the new library at Unam on April 6, 2006. – “Valley Song” by Athol Fugard from director Nor-bert van Wyk at the Space Theatre at Unam on April 5 to 7, 2006. – “Me&U” written and acted by Natasha Lamoela at the Nedbank Theatre School on April 7 and 8, 2006. – Requiem in D Minor – W.A. Mozart – from Ernst v Biljon, the Cantare Audire Choir and an Orchestra at the St Mary’s Cathedral on April 7 and 8, 2006. – Unam Choir with Bonnie Pereko performing at the NTN on April 20, 2006. – Creative Writing Course presented by Prof Hans du Plessis at Unam from April 24 to 28, 2006. Namibians can also read more about upcoming events in the local media and in monthly pre-festival brochures available at Bank Windhoek branches in Windhoek. The brochures will also be displayed at art galleries, coffee shops, theatres and other entertainment areas. “We would like to encourage all Namibians to support local artists through the Bank Windhoek Arts Festival. The Arts Festival platform enables the public to get a taste of excellent local art and help our artists to develop their full potential,” Marlize Horn, Senior Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, said.