Creatives demand more from govt  

Players in the arts sector have called on government to do more to improve their plight. The call followed Pesident Lazarus Chakwera’s remarks that he believes Malawi has  enough talent.

The President, according to presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda,  made the remarks when  United Kingdom-based comedian Daliso Chaponda made aa courtesy call at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday.

The arts players we interviewed felt government should  do more for the arts sector to develop fully and contribute to the country’s economy.

In a separate interview, Filmmakers Association of Malawi president Gift Sukez Sukali said at the moment, government is not doing enough to make it possible for the arts sector to flourish.

He said: “To be honest, as creatives we do not have a body in government that really looks at our welfare and things that can help us to do better apart from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture which is rather broad.

“As of now in Africa, it is only Malawi which does not have an Arts Council to look at the promotion of the arts industry. This makes the arts industry look a little disorganised.”

Sukali said currently, the arts industry does not even have one cinema centre, arts centre or theatre where arts can be celebrated. He said in contrast, sports disciplines have stadiums, Sports Council and other structures put in place by government.

“When we want to perform, we go to hotels and golf clubs. That is an indication that we lack a lot,” he said.

Sukali, however, said as artists, they are clear on how government can come in to help them. He cited their demand for the Arts Council and other infrastructure such as cinemas and theatres to help artists stage their performances.

Multi award-winning filmmaker Charles Shemu Joya concurred with Sukali that government is not doing enough to promote the arts.

“Just take a look at the Blantyre Cultural Centre. The decay there is symbolic of the effort government is putting in to help arts in this country,” he said.

Joyah said on the part of the artists, they know what they need from government to make their industry grow.

Another arts enthusiast, Kingsley Jekete said it is great to see the President  recognising arts, but emphasised that it should do more for the locals.

“Daliso has privileges which probably helped him to get the platform that he has. Government should push more to help the others. The potential is there,” he said.

However, filmmaker Flora Suya said though there are challenges, government is trying to improve the situation. She cited the Zikomo Awards and the arts component in the Malawi 2063 development agenda.

“Arts can be a job creator and an economic growth area, but only if we put in place, real foundation,” she said. 

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture spokesperson Symon Mvundula acknowledged that there is need to have an Arts Council so that the sector develops.

“We are working hard to have the National Arts Council Bill passed in Parliament. We are also working towards rehabilitating the Blantyre Cultural Centre,” he said.