Visual Arts Association of Malawi (Vaam) he said it is finding it difficult to raise funds for its activities.
Vaam President Gilbert Mpakule said, just like other art associations, they have been on their toes crafting proposals to access funds and grants but they have been unsuccessful.
“It is sad that art forms like visual arts are not given much support and yet they help in the development of the country. We have not given up but with the economic challenges on the ground at the moment, it is hard such that we cannot even hold capacity building programmes let alone our own festival,” Mpakule said.
He described 2023 as a difficult year for visual artists in that, apart from a few that managed to hold their own exhibitions both in and outside the country, many remained grounded.
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“I will still talk about the 44 percent devaluation which has affected people’s buying power. If people are struggling to get basic needs due to inadequate funds, then I do not think they can spare some money to buy artworks,” Mpakule said.
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He also zeroed in on the high cost of art materials which, he admitted, has relegated many visual artists to inactiveness.
“It is expensive to buy art materials in the country. There is immense talent in the country but in the absence of funds and buying power by the people, things continue to be tough,” the Vaam president said.
He hailed platforms that billeted visual artists in their events last year and they include Art in the Park, which happens biannually at Four Seasons in Lilongwe, Tumaini and Zomba Arts festivals.
“In spite of the difficulties we are going through, we still have activities we have lined up this year to allow artists to showcase their works. We also want to collaborate with other art forms for the sake of working as a team,” Mpakule said.
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The Vaam president, who dared fellow artists to be creative to stand out on the market, revealed that they will, for the first time, hold a Visual Arts Festival for Children in Blantyre in July.
“Children are the foundation and, so, we want to spark interest in them,” he said.
