MBABANE – The US Embassy is collaborating with the Kingdom XLR organisation to host a Rooted & Rising workshop centred on culture and the uplifting of the arts.
This initiative is the promotion of artistic development and knowledge of culture. Hence, the invited guest is the Director and Founder of The Babukisi Foundation, a leading organisation in cultural preservation and youth empowerment in Eswatini, Thobejane Magagula.
Scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2025, at the American Corner (Mbabane Library) from 11am to 2pm, the workshop aims to provide artists, cultural practitioners and enthusiasts with valuable insights, practical tools and networking opportunities.
By focusing on the intersection of cultural heritage, artistic expression and community development, the collaboration seeks to empower local creatives and amplify the role of arts in societal growth. The partnership between the US Embassy and Kingdom XLR showcases the importance of cultural diplomacy the exchange of ideas, information, traditions and other aspects of culture – to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
In an interview with the talented wordsmith Lution from the Kingdom XLR, he stated the motive behind hosting the workshop.
The Rooted and Rising Workshop is driven by the vision of bridging Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage with practical economic opportunities. Culture is often perceived purely as tradition or ceremony, but it is also a powerful tool for entrepreneurship, tourism and creative industry growth.
The workshop creates a structured platform where young creatives, cultural custodians and entrepreneurs can explore how identity, creativity and business intersect.
“The motive is also deeply practical: We want to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to translate culture into sustainable livelihoods, while simultaneously nurturing pride in who we are as emaSwati. Drawing on insights from my recent IVLP experience in the US on Economic Development Through the Arts, I have seen how creative clusters, public-private partnerships and structured arts programmes can drive jobs, income, and industry growth. This workshop brings that international knowledge home, adapted to our local context,” he said.
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