We need the Arts Council, says Trinta
By Sam Banda Jnr:
Veteran musician and Managing Director of Nyamithambo Arts Palace, Eric Trinta, has called on policy-makers to look into the issue of the Arts Council urgently this year.
Trinta said the Arts Council is the only way to develop the creative industry and create employment.
With the Cultural Policy being approved, artists have now been lobbying for the establishment of the Council which could, among other things, help arts associations which are depending on funds from donors’ access subvention from the government.
After the approval and passing of the Cultural Policy came the creation of the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) Bill.
Trinta bemoaned delays to take the bill to Parliament.
He said the absence of requisite laws is negatively affecting players in the creative industry.
He said Nahec Bill could have been at an advanced stage by now.
“The Cultural Policy was passed long time ago before Nahec Bill was developed but we are taking time to implement things. We need to move out of delaying things,” Trinta said.
The government, through the Ministry of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, has insisted that it is doing its best to push for the bill.
Trinta described 2018 as a great year for them where they among others, had an expansion programme.
“We want to promote valimba music and valimba dance to be a household name. We are also looking at the Mbona shrines where we are trying to work with the community to create a cultural village to help in promoting tourism,” he said.
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