Creatives in the Southern Region yesterday made contributions to the strategic plan for the implementation of the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec).
They did so in Blantyre at a consultative meeting officially opened by Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Alfred Gangata.
Patrons included creatives from various associations and the academia, among others, who dared the government to stick to implementation plans.
“We are happy with the move—that is, bringing us, creatives, together to contribute to the strategic plan.
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“However, what happens is that we have very good documents but what lacks is implementation and that is what is needed,” Eric Trinta, who is proprietor of Nyamithambo Arts Palace and an arts activist, said.
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The consultative meeting followed another outing in the Central Region, with the last engagement set for the Northern Region in Mzuzu City.
The creatives highlighted several challenges that the creative sector is facing in the absence of Nahec, including inadequate infrastructure and policies.
Opening the consultative meeting earlier on, Gangata described the creative and heritage industries as important.
He said they were a source of identity, employment and economic opportunity in Malawi.
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The minister said the government recognised the role of the arts and culture in social cohesion, youth application and national development.
“That is why the government included the promotion of culture in the Malawi 2063 agenda and is supporting the development of the strategic plan,” he said.
The minister added that the government would continue promoting the arts and creative industries through infrastructure development, policy review and proper planning to ensure that the industry is commercialised to create more opportunities for the youth.
The contributions made by the creatives are expected to help shape clear priorities, strategies and objectives for Nahec for the next five years.
Nahec comes into effect following the passing of the Nahec Bill.
The opening of the consultative meeting was spiced up by a performance from Malawi Has Talent Season II by Goshen City winner Isaac Kadankowa.
