Arts Bill set for tabling
After nine years of waiting, the National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) Bill is set in Lilongwe for tabling in Parliament this Friday.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda confirmed the development in an interview yesterday.
He said Cabinet already approved the draft Bill and what remains is for members of Parliament (MPs) to debate it.
Chimwendo Banda, who is also Leader of the House, said: “It is a huge step forward for artists in the country. This Bill will help to develop the industry and support the artists in Malawi. It is a game-changer for the industry.
“We may encounter teething problems along the way, but be assured that this is a huge milestone for the industry.”
If passed, the Bill will facilitate the establishment of the National Arts Council
which will help to implement arts and culture policies, initiatives and improve welfare of artists.
The minister also said once passed, a date will be appointed within the year
to signal the start of the recruitment processes and formal establishment of the Arts Council.
The Nahec Bill was drafted in 2015 following the approval of the Culture policy
which aims at ensuring the preservation, conservation and safeguarding of the country’s culture for national identity, education and posterity.
The minister yesterday he met leaders of the rights holder associations and unions in Lilongwe to, among others, update them on steps taken towards the enactment of the Bill.
Nahec Bill task force chairperson Max Chiphinga expressed relief that the Bill will finally be presented in Parliament.
He said: “This is something we have been fighting for years. We hope MPs will support the Bill so that we can focuss on something else. We will be in Parliament on Friday to witness this monumental occasion.”
The Nahec Bill has been receiving support from organisations such as the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) who view the Arts Council as a tool to unlock potential of the creative industry.
