Cultural Policy to be launched Feb
Clashing of arts and cultural festivals, the lack of funds and myriad of other problems that artists and event organisers face in the country will be a thing of the past after the implementation of the cultural policy.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the much awaited launch of the Cultural Policy may happen in the next four months if plans made by the Department of Culture are implemented.
Director of culture in the ministry, Elizabeth Gomani-Chindebvu said at the first of a series of consultative meetings on the draft Cultural Policy held in Blantyre that the launch of the policy will be in February 2014 with implementation starting in March.
“We hope that by December we will be done with the document up to Cabinet level,” said Gomani-Chindebvu.
She explained that it is hoped that consultations with the arts and cultural sector will be complete by 31 October after which the document will be updated and presented to the PSs forum next month, followed by a submission to Cabinet end November 2013.
The Cultural Policy, among others will provide for the set-up of a National Arts and Heritage Council which will involve all arts and cultural groups’ as well as provide a framework for repeal of outdated laws that affect the sector.
On behalf of Blantyre Arts Festival Thomas Chibambo noted that the document has been needed urgently as his organisation has failed to secure external funding due to lack of a policy.
From Blantyre, the discussions move to Mzuzu on Friday and Lilongwe next week.
