National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) task force has proposed a K3.7 billion to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to support the establishment of the council and implementation of the National Arts and Heritage Act 2024.
This budget comes few months after the Act was passed in Parliament after nine years.
In an interview, Nahec task force secretary general Ron Muphuwa justified the figure, saying starting something is expensive.
He said: “For Nahec to take off, there is need to set up the council. After that, marketing and research of arts and creative products will be needed to help boost the industry.
“In addition, the funding is expected to provide grants and funding to artists and associations on their artistic projects, employ key staff in the sector and finance infrastructure that can help boost the sector.”
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) president Vita Chirwa said in an interview the funds are a starting point for the council’s operations
and support needed to promote the sector’s work.
“Nahec is what the sector has needed for a very long time and implementation is what we need now. This money is a starter-pack to help the industry develop,” he said.
Chirwa added that the creative sector is broad and that the council will have to support various players, including musicians, filmmakers, visual artists and those working in heritage.
“The industry has many sectors and each one needs financial support to grow. This budget is not just for musicians, but for everyone in arts. Every association with no financial support will be looking forward to that support,” he said.
Film Association of Malawi (Fama) president Dorothy Kingston said the industry lacks infrastructure and structured workforce.
“We do not have enough infrastructures as a sect need a lot of money,” she said.
