OMDis hosted a Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture delegation in Oranjemund to inaugurate the much anticipated and world-wide first Bom Jesus shipwreck exhibit. Deputy Minister Honourable Faustina Caley was joined by the Executive Director Ms. Steenkamp and her Arts & Culture team, as well as Ms. Vasconcelos, Chargée d!Affaires from the Portuguese Embassy in Namibia, and Honourable Aletha Frederick, Governor of the //Kharas Region.
The weeklong visit by the Ministry touched on aspects close to OMDis’ focus areas, including how arts and heritage conservation can redefine Oranjemund and attract tourists and investors to town. In the last few years Oranjemund has emerged as an Arts and Culture hub in Namibia. Showcasing the Bom Jesus shipwreck exhibit adds another dimension to an area of Namibia rich in history and biodiversity. During the inauguration, the audience were entertained by the choir from !Garibams Secondary School, and a Nama cultural performance from Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School. The cherry on top was a beautiful dramatic reading written and directed by Ndinomholo Ndilula, as well as a short performance depicting a survivor from the wreck and an early inhabitant of the region.
Discovered in 2008, the Bom Jesus was a Portuguese trade vessel on its way to India when it sank off the Namibian coast in 1533. It was discovered during diamond mining operations and immediately sparked international interest as well emergency excavations. Over 40 tonnes of cargo, including copper, lead, tusks and gold coins were found.
