Government says there is urgent need to mainstream the creative arts and cultural industries as an integral driver of economic growth in Zambia.
Minister of Tourism and Arts, Charles Banda says even UNESCO in the 2005 Convention for the Protection and promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions acknowledge that the cultural and creative industries have become essential for inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities and achieving the goals set in the 2030 sustainable development agenda.
The Minister of Tourism was speaking today when he officially opened the National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) Revival Indaba held at Gonde Lodge in Kabwe.
He urged artists in the country to work towards creating theatre products that will be attractive enough for audiences to like them and be willing to pay for them, adding that they should adopt business models that work for the theatre.
Mr. Banda called for discipline among the artists and urged them to fully develop their talents.
Speaking at the same function, National Arts Council (NAC) Chairperson, Patrick Samwimbila, revealed that as NAC clocks 25 years of existence next year, the council would revive the Ngoma Awards.
Mr. Samwimbila urged the government through the Ministry of Tourism to allocate land where a national arts Centre would be constructed.
He also revealed that NAC is intending to decentralize its activities at lower levels so that the art industry is be fully revitalized.
