JUBA | SOUTH SUDAN | FESTIVAL FOR FASHION AND ARTS FOR PEACE SPRING SUMMER 2014

“As South Sudan continues to experience civil unrest and inter-tribal violence, FFAP strives to challenge and change the perceptions of South Sudanese through positive imagery and energy delivered through fashion, arts and music. We aim to encourage creativity, interaction and mutual appreciation of each others’ culture – something we believe that will harness learning and understanding, tolerance, and ultimately peace among the numerous South Sudanese communities and tribes.

We believe that by bridging the gap and by learning about each other – our shared beauty and love for our country. Years of conflict and civil war has resulted in fragmented communities that know little of their neighbors. FAPF sees this annual event as an innovative and informative platform – that enables many cultures and tribes to unite in collective appreciation of the arts and peace.

Globally recognized figures in the world of arts, fashion and music such as; Emmanual Jal, Emmanuel Kembe, Alek Wek, Atui Deng, Emmanuel Jambo, Ras Korby, Lam Tungwar to name but a few, is testament to what South Sudan has to offer the rest of the world. We believe there is still untapped talent out there yet to be discovered. Our aim is offer them that platform particularly in areas of fashion.

We at FFAP believe that South Sudan’s ethnic diversity and creativity should be celebrated in the spirit of solidarity and harmony.

FFAP was conceptualized out of the belief that positive change and peace in our communities can come from us having an alternative to conflict and negativity currently surrounding us. We aspire to encourage individuals to dream, hope, express and achieve through creativity. FFAP is proposed to be an annual charity and fund-raising event – taking place in July of every year to coincide with independence anniversary –thus reminding ourselves as South Sudanese -and those that love South Sudan – of our journey, the creativity and rich culture that engulfs our beloved country. Last year’s beneficiaries will be decided based on most achievements in promoting peace, cultural diversity and tolerance through arts, crafts and other community initiatives.”

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This year’s event was a 2-day August event, interaction and trade fair where FFAP lined up together artisans from all the 10 states to showcase talent and artifacts – from traditional to modern pieces. Each piece will have a tag explaining – ‘who, where, when and why’ to enable us to learn and appreciate our diverse culture. They also involved South Sudanese photographers, painters and other forms of artistic expression to showcase their talent.

Besides, a modeling competition happened a few weeks before the FAPF event where there was a modeling scouting event. The top 15 models took part in the event and and top three received professional photos for their portfolio and an opportunity to take part in a regional modeling competition. Last year FFAP partnered with FAFA (Festival for African Fashion and Arts) Kenya to enable them to learn from their experience and contacts.

FAPF is endorsed by the Ministry of Culture.

By healing the bruises of
Sudanese Civil War, Fashion remains an effective force of good for the country.

Designers are deemed .. diplomats.

L’ÉDITOR