The National Arts, Heritage Bill Taskforce (NAHEC) says it is delighted after parliament on Friday passed National Arts, Heritage Bill, which seeks to promote the creative and heritage industry in the country.
The Bill has been passed with an amendment on the need for international artists only to provide notification on their upcoming performance 60 days prior to their performances.
Initially, the 60 day period was targeting both local and international artists, but some members objected to it, urging that the 60-day period could affect local artists economically.
Patron for the task force Eric Trinta believes the passing of the Bill will be vital in addressing challenges that have been hindering development of arts and heritage industry.
“We are very happy because it has been a long fight, it has been there for so long and for us to have this one done we appreciate what government has done because by the end of the day wealthy creation at house hold level will be possible”
“As Malawi we’ve been failing because we did not have this law and we know for sure that the moment every artist, every cultural group in creative industry, the moment is now supported through the budget, Malawi will never be the same” said Trinka
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda concurred with Trinta saying the artists are going to benefit a lot from the Bill.
“It helps to boost their work, promote their work so that they can sell internationally at the same time create jobs for our young people so this Bill comes at a right time for the artistic work and creative industry across the country”
Among other things in this Bill that was drafted in 2015, it provides for the establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Council whose powers shall include giving grants to players in the creative and heritage industry and enforce guidelines for standards of the creative and heritage sector.
The council will be tasked to develop and promote the creative and heritage industry in Malawi through coordinate programmes in the industry, creating opportunities for networking and marketing of products and services from creative and heritage industry and construct and manage infrastructure for the sector.
It will also promote research, learning and knowledge programmes and manage the National Arts and Heritage Promotion fund.
