Some creatives are set to gather at Parliament Building while others will be following proceedings from afar, eagerly anticipating debate on the enactment of the long-awaited National Arts and Heritage Council (Nahec) draft bill, which is expected to be tabled on Friday.
The bill is set to be tabled long after Malawi launched its Cultural Policy.
Creatives have been actively engaging their line ministry and legislators in their quest to have the Nahec draft bill passed in the august House.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also Leader of the House, has called upon fellow legislators to pass the bill, which has already been approved by Cabinet.
He has described the Nahec draft bill as a game-changer for the creative industry, adding that although it is long overdue, it has undergone several processes to address all concerns related to the creative sector.
“Processes had to be followed. Arts associations are operating without government funding, but with Nahec, things will change. The government of President Lazarus Chakwera is determined to uplift the creative sector,” Chimwendo Banda said.
Director of Arts in the Department of Arts in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Humphrey Mpondaminga, said yesterday that the bill aims to establish Nahec as a leading agency for the government to facilitate programmes.
“We have instruments in place to establish structures such as the National Arts and Promotion Fund, which will enable the government to mobilise resources to support creatives,” Mpondaminga said.
He added that the bill also seeks to develop arts and culture at the grassroots in communities and local councils.
“We are looking at the creation of district arts and heritage committees under local authorities to ensure that arts and culture flourish,” Mpondaminga said.
He also mentioned that the bill aims to generate income for the sector and contribute to economic growth.
“We are looking at exporting cultural products; we want to establish a scheme for standards. There is significant demand for cultural products from Malawi, but there is a need to adhere to import standards and penetrate foreign markets,” Mpondaminga said.
Meanwhile, Nahec Chairperson Maxwell Chiphinga, who is also president of the National Theatre Association of Malawi, has confirmed that some creatives will be at Parliament today.
“We pray for the best and trust that legislators will pass this important bill. It is not only important to creatives but to the nation as a whole. There is much within the bill, including job creation. Through Nahec, artists will be able to speak with one voice. We were the only country operating without Nahec,” Chiphinga said.
