Visual artists have been urged to use their creative prowess to shed light on pressing issues affecting the country.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika made the call on Thursday during the opening of the biannual Art in the Park 10th edition in Lilongwe.
He highlighted the role visual artists play in portraying national identity and championing societal change.
Said Chomanika: “Artists have a unique way of portraying who we are as a nation and expressing how we feel about issues, advocating for mindset shifts among the public, among other things.”
Stressing the urgency of addressing climate change, he urged artists to align their contributions with preservation efforts, saying art has the power to drive awareness and action.
“Artists should be part of the drive to conserve the environment, they need to paint, sing, write about it and remind others to play their part too,” said the deputy minister.
Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (Wesm) chairperson Nick Hall highlighted the event’s aim which is to elevate the visual art sector’s profile among Malawians.
“The event aims to garner more recognition for the visual art sector by exposing more visual artists among Malawians,” he said.
Hall said since inception, Art in the Park has contributed to highlighting visual artists by providing a platform where many Malawians can come to appreciate the work by fellow Malawians.
One of the visual artists at the exhibition, Ivy Mitayi, expressed her excitement for participating at the event which will give her an opportunity to showcase her artwork and engage with fellow artists and audiences.
“These exhibitions help us get exposure, so people get to familiarise themselves with our work. It is a good opportunity,” she said.
Highlighting the trend where most art buyers are from outside the country, she urged Malawians to support local artists.
“There are very few Malawians who buy art, but we would like to see more of them buy from us,” she said.
Under the theme ‘People and environment’ the event attracted 43 visual artists who exhibited their works.
