Karibib is usually just a drive-through dorp these days, especially after somebody recently made a landmark corner building disappear behind ugly concrete walls. But last weekend the small town’s Klippenberg or rock mountain came to life in a very unique and special way: thanks to the good organisation of a few very dedicated people an arts and crafts festival of high standard took place with various choirs, music bands, dancing groups, artists and performers from Windhoek, Katutura, Omaruru and the coast, apart from the Karibib people, of course.

The Namibian countryside, the lawns of the Karibib Country Club and the fine weather created a relaxed atmosphere as artists displayed their pottery on granite rocks, woodcarvings on the lawns and paintings on fences. Old and young, village dwellers and city folk from Windhoek, farmers and teenagers from the diverse language groups of our country interacted and enjoyed the festival tremendously.

"Our uniqueness lies in the unity through diversity", says Bianca Foelscher, one of the organisers, "we have lots of talent in Namibia, and at this festival there is a chance to show it".The Klippenberg Arts & Crafts Festival first took place 3 years ago spearheaded by singer and artist Archie van der Ploeg. Artist Joe Madisia and new director of the National Art Gallery travelled from Windhoek so did representatives of the ministry of education and Marcellino Swaartbooi from the College for the Arts who was a top announcer. Artists from the Katutura Community Arts Centre, the Mascato Youth Choir and the Namib Marimbas performed, while local village models showed new fashion styles. Visitors and artists interacted lively and that was the true success of this arts festival.

"Culture and music brings people together", says Louw Durand, manager of the Karibib FNB branch. FNB was one of the main sponsors together with AngloGold Ashanti.

"This festival is special", says Peter Geleta, acting manager of AngloGold Ashanti, "it is relaxed and informal". According to Attie Stadler, engineering manager at the gold mine, the Klippenberg festival is an opportunity to get exposure as artists and musicians. Stadler also chairs the organising committee. "From the experience and confidence they gain here they can move on to larger towns", according to Stadler.

The variety of foods offered was also great and the evening dance in the beer tent that was pitched up on the club’s tennis court went until very late.