Government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has applauded communities for playing a significant role in shaping the direction of the arts sector.
In a statement released on World Art Day, which fell on 15 April, government said “our art is hugely inspired by our communities”.
“The rural communities are a key element of the arts value chain whose products connect Malawi with the rest of the world, and connect us to future generations,” the statement reads.
The statement observes that music is shaped by folk songs and cultural expressions from the village and that visual artists have been influenced by landscapes in rural communities.
It further says Malawi is renowned for basketry and handcrafts because of “our artisans from rural communities”.
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Government also touched on the film industry, which, is says, is lately claiming its space.
It, however, says the industry cannot be complete unless it is inspired by folk stories.
Director of Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Humphrey Mpondaminga, said yesterday that they owe a lot to “our rural communities for the development of the various forms of the arts”.
“The arts have the power to change the livelihood of rural families and transform communities, where the arts thrive,” Mpondaminga said.
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The country is this year celebrating World Art Day through the theme ‘Cultivating Local Communities through Art As A Tool for Economic Empowerment And Transformation’.
Unesco says this year’s World Art Day should elevate the arts as a medium for tolerance across cultures, freedom of expression, world peace and sustainable development.
“World Art Day is a timely reminder that art can unite and connect us even in the most difficult circumstances,” Unesco Director General Audrey Azoulay said.
Government has since joined Unesco and like-minded institutions in encouraging people to support the arts industry by buying artworks from local artists, adding that this will help promote art and give it more exposure.
And, yesterday, President Lazarus Chakwera extended his gratitude to artists for their exceptional work, saying they enrich the nation with their works.
“Your contributions to the promotion of health, education, agriculture, tourism and many more areas do not only entertain but also educate and inform us, as a nation,” Chakwera said.
He further said artists’ works play a critical role in the country’s development.
“They unite us, as a people, and put our country on the global map. As we celebrate World Art Day, we appreciate your invaluable efforts.
“I, therefore, thank every self-made art hustler and all Malawians supporting these vibrant pursuits. You are the pillars of our creative economy,” Chakwera said.
Writer Shadreck Chikoti, who authored Azotus the Kingdom, described art as the base of development.
“Before there was a chair, a table, a helicopter, a house, there was art to give a visual of the imagined creation. Art is an architectural model and science is the actual thing.
“Art is an integral part of development. There is no developed nation that does not identify with its art. We must, therefore, celebrate, uplift and reward our art,” Chikoti said.
