In a country where art and creativity are woven into the fabric of everyday life, Malawian artists are poised to play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.
As the country works towards achieving its Malawi 2063 (MW2063), artists are leveraging their unique talents to help domesticate the vision using drama and music to raise awareness, initiate dialogue, and inspire action on the goals that matter most.
Vice-President Michael Usi recently urged artists to continue using their talents to drive development and inspire positive change.
“Artists in the country should occupy their rightful place in order to domesticate the Malawi 2063,” he said during a meeting with artists at Amaryllis Hotel last week.
Usi, himself praised the creative sector as the “conscience of the people” recognising the unique ability of artists to tap into the nation’s psyche and shape public opinion.
Meanwhile, the Vice-President’s call to action has resonated with musicians, actors, and visual artists who are now more determined than ever to use their craft to promote the values and goals enshrined in the Mw2063.
Solomonic Peacock Theatre founder Arthur Matukuta acknowledges that arts is a tool government can use to communicate Mw2063 since arts has a creative expression aspect that can make the information more relatable and engaging to the public.
“Arts is unique and it attracts tourism by taking Malawian culture to other countries through traditional crafts, visual arts, theatre and performances as well as music and dance festivals such as Lake of Stars Festival which attracts both local and international tourists,” he said.
Matukuta encouraged the corporate world to embrace the arts industry by investing more in arts.
In a separate interview, Musicians Union of Malawi president Vita Chirwa emphasised that first and foremost artists must show patriotism by owning the vision and aligning with it in order to play a big part towards its fulfilment.
“Art is a powerful tool that can drive social change, foster community cohesion and promote cultural identity,” he said.
However, Chirwa said for artists to be part of the agenda, they need to be supported through facilitating networks and forums where artists can connect with policymakers and community leaders.
He said artists also need public acknowledgement of the impact of art on society through events and publications to inspire and motivate artists.
“Government needs to include artists in its national development plans by putting in place clear cultural policies that recognise and support the role of artists and perhaps establishing the long overdue National and Heritage Council would be a huge starting point,” said Chirwa.
Meanwhile, artists have applauded the Copyright Society of Malawi for introducing the Copyright Fund that is providing funding to different arts initiatives at national, district, as well as community levels. Various artists such as Ethel Kamwendo, Allan Chirwa, Bertha Nkhoma and others have benefitted from it.
