12 qualify for Misuku Hills Art Challenge
Twelve artists have qualified for the Misuku Hills Art Challenge (MiHAC) which seeks to promote tourism activities in Misuku Hills Forest Reserve in Chitipa.
Nation Publications Limited (NPL) journalist Bobby Kabango has made it alongside Timothy Chikupeta and Malumbo Simwaka in the photography category while Villant Jana, Peter Kepkay and Gift Sukez Sukali have made it in the film category.
Misuku Hills Arts Challenge is organised by Sustainable Rural Growth and Development Initiative (SRGDI) with financial support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
In an interview, SRGDI executive director Maynard Nyirenda said the 12 are scheduled to tour Misuku Hills in Chitipa from April 10 to 14 where they are expected to produce artworks that depict the beauty and ecological, cultural, aesthetical and economic value of Misuku Hills Forest Reserve.
“The finalists have been selected following their applications to participate in the contest. The aim of this competition is to promote conservation and tourism through the power of arts,” said Nyirenda.
He said Misuku Hills is one of the country’s tourist attraction areas rich in biological diversity, which can make significant contributions to the development of the country’s tourism if properly promoted.
“There is also rich culture and traditions among people of Misuku Hills which can bring about valuable documentation and preservation of the country’s heritage,” said Nyirenda.
The finalists are expected to exhibit their works at a national exhibition slated for May 26 in Lilongwe.
Commenting on the development, one of the finalists, Sukez, said he was committed to bring out the best from the competition.
“I am passionate about nature and this has given me an opportunity to produce a film to my best capability which will represent the best of Misuku Hills,” said Sukez.
