Govt makes invest strides into arts sector
National Arts Council, Creative industries strategy established About 14 million Pula disbursed to artists in Covid19 relief
Anew dawn hopefully beckons for the arts and culture sector, as Government continues to rev investments to make the creative industry more organised and lucrative for locals.
The arts contribute a significant percentage, however without formal institutions to govern the industry, little progress is made, hence the establishment of the National Arts Council. In his State of the Nation address recently, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the creative industry holds great potential to improving the lives of Batswana, and significantly contributing to employment creation and the development of Botswana.
He said this is what had spurred government to establish the National Arts Council, which was passed in September. The Council will be the driver of effective coordination and regulation of the arts and culture sector. Masisi also noted that the Cinematograph Act is being reviewed to strengthen the local film and television industry, adding that the drafting of the Bill is expected to be completed by the next Financial year. He also said a strategy would be put in place to ensure proper implementation of all initiatives aimed at growing the arts and culture industry.
“Government has developed the Creative Industries Strategy with the view to promote creativity, nurture skills and talent for job and wealth creation, particularly for our young people.”
However, in light of the Covid19 pandemic, many artists have found themselves out of work and struggling to make ends meet, as social distancing restrictions meant that they could not host events, shows, exhibitions, go out to sell their works and so forth. Government subsequently established a Covid19 Relief fund to assist during this trying time, and by September 2020, a total of a little over 19 million (P19, 404, 180.00) had been paid to artists, athletes and other youth in the arts, culture and sport industries to help them cope, of which an amount of P14, 308, 500.00 went to artists.