Creatives hail Arts Bill
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) and Film Association of Malawi (Fama) have described the recent passing of the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) Bill as a breath of fresh air for the creative sector in Malawi.
After years of pushing, artists have every reason to celebrate after Parliament passed the Bill with some amendments last Friday. It established a legal framework for the development and promotion of the country’s arts and heritage industry.
MUM president Vita Chirwa said the creative industry has for a long time lacked a formal and structured body to oversee and promote its development.
“Nahec will be pivotal in creating policies that support the growth of the creative industries. It will contribute to job creation, tourism and the preservation of our cultural heritage,” he said.
Chirwa also said the provisions will ensure that there is financial support for artists to carry out projects and initiatives, training, exchange programmes and promotion of arts with government support.
Fama vice-president Ashukile Mwakisulu said resource mobilisation is one of the challenges the film industry faces in the country.
“With this piece of legislation in place, filmmakers will be eligible for grants that will help them acquire the right equipment to produce good quality material enhancing production,” he said.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda said the Bill will provide a legal framework for the council to properly coordinate the promotion of the creative and heritage industry.
The legislation also introduces a registration framework for stakeholders, regulates event organisers, creates a National Arts and Heritage Promotion Fund and defines offences and penalties.
