LUSAKA BASED ARTIST TOM NJOVU HAILS PROPOSED CREATION OF MINISTRY OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Lusaka based arts practitioner Tom Njovu has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for proposing the creation of a standalone Ministry of Arts and Culture, saying the move has the potential to transform Zambia’s creative industry and create employment opportunities for young people.
Mr Njovu, a filmmaker, actor and theatre practitioner, says the establishment of a dedicated ministry would provide focused leadership and a clear policy direction for the development of the arts sector.
He says the creative industry has the potential to contribute significantly to national development through job creation, revenue generation and its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr Njovu notes that artists have for a long time called for a standalone ministry that would address the unique needs and challenges affecting the sector.
He observes that the arts sector has over the years been moved from one ministry to another, a situation he believes has made it difficult to provide consistent attention and adequate resources for its growth.
Mr Njovu, who is also a communication expert, says a dedicated Ministry of Arts and Culture could help ensure that the sector receives specific budgetary allocations to support artistic productions, infrastructure development, training and other programmes aimed at empowering artists.
He adds that the ministry could strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights, helping artists earn fair returns from their creative works while addressing challenges associated with piracy and the unauthorised use of artistic content.
Mr Njovu further says the ministry could promote the preservation of Zambia’s cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, theatre, languages, folklore and other cultural practices that define the country’s identity.
Mr Njovu says a dedicated ministry could also strengthen the marketing of Zambian arts and culture locally and internationally, creating opportunities for artists to participate in international festivals, exhibitions, film markets and other cultural exchange programmes.
He further notes that a dedicated ministry could help improve access to arts education and professional training, particularly for young people who wish to pursue careers in the creative industry.
Mr Njovu has since called on Members of Parliament to support the proposal, stating that a dedicated ministry could provide a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by artists and help create sustainable livelihoods for practitioners across the country.
Mr Njovu says the creation of the ministry should be accompanied by adequate funding, clear policies, transparent management of resources and meaningful consultation with artists to ensure that the proposed institution delivers tangible benefits to the creative industry.
Lusaka based arts practitioner Tom Njovu has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for proposing the creation of a standalone Ministry of Arts and Culture, saying the move has the potential to transform Zambia’s creative industry and create employment opportunities for young people.
Mr Njovu, a filmmaker, actor and theatre practitioner, says the establishment of a dedicated ministry would provide focused leadership and a clear policy direction for the development of the arts sector.
He says the creative industry has the potential to contribute significantly to national development through job creation, revenue generation and its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Mr Njovu notes that artists have for a long time called for a standalone ministry that would address the unique needs and challenges affecting the sector.
He observes that the arts sector has over the years been moved from one ministry to another, a situation he believes has made it difficult to provide consistent attention and adequate resources for its growth.
Mr Njovu, who is also a communication expert, says a dedicated Ministry of Arts and Culture could help ensure that the sector receives specific budgetary allocations to support artistic productions, infrastructure development, training and other programmes aimed at empowering artists.
He adds that the ministry could strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights, helping artists earn fair returns from their creative works while addressing challenges associated with piracy and the unauthorised use of artistic content.
Mr Njovu further says the ministry could promote the preservation of Zambia’s cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, theatre, languages, folklore and other cultural practices that define the country’s identity.
Mr Njovu says a dedicated ministry could also strengthen the marketing of Zambian arts and culture locally and internationally, creating opportunities for artists to participate in international festivals, exhibitions, film markets and other cultural exchange programmes.
He further notes that a dedicated ministry could help improve access to arts education and professional training, particularly for young people who wish to pursue careers in the creative industry.
Mr Njovu has since called on Members of Parliament to support the proposal, stating that a dedicated ministry could provide a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by artists and help create sustainable livelihoods for practitioners across the country.
Mr Njovu says the creation of the ministry should be accompanied by adequate funding, clear policies, transparent management of resources and meaningful consultation with artists to ensure that the proposed institution delivers tangible benefits to the creative industry.