Germany calls for arts support
The German government has called for support towards arts and cultural heritage organisations to boost tourism in the country.
A representative of Germany Ambassador to Malawi Knut Gummert said this on Friday when he toured Chingalire Cultural and Heritage Centre in Nsaru, Lilongwe. He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife, Michael Usi.
“Arts and theatres, heritage, historic places attract tourists and in return can improve the performance of the economy in any country,” Gummert said.
On his part, Usi assured renowned musician Ben Michael Mankhamba, who is also Village Head Chingalire and coordinator of the cultural heritage, that the government would support the heritage centre so that it attracts many tourists.
Usi did not elaborate the kind of support government would give to the centre.
“Chingalire Cultural and Heritage Centre promotes the teaching and learning of local cultural values and practices; so, it is government’s wish to help such centres” Usi said.
Mankhamba started the project in 2010 after being installed as village head.
He appealed to the government and other well-wishers to rehabilitate a bridge to the centre which was washed away by rains some years ago.
“In order to make this place a model area, we are also asking for your ideas on how we can improve the place,” Mankhamba said.
During the tour, Gummert, the minister and other government officials were treated to traditional dances by Chingalire Cultural Troupe and Mankhamba, who offered an acoustic set of two songs
The centre has over the years hosted a number of activities including Ethno Malawi Music Camp driven by Music Crossroads Malawi, which brings together artists from different countries.
