Government has recognised the potential of the visual arts sector to contribute to the Grow Zambia Agenda through employment creation, entrepreneurship, tourism and cultural preservation.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, says visual arts provide an opportunity to showcase Zambia’s cultural heritage while generating income for artists and local communities.
Mr Chileshe notes that paintings, sculptures, crafts and photographs offer tourists authentic experiences of Zambian life and culture.
He says linking artists to galleries, hotels, lodges, airports and tourist sites would expand markets for their works, enrich visitors’ experiences and create economic opportunities.
The Permanent Secretary said this in Lusaka last evening during the official opening of the 62nd Independence Visual Arts Exhibition, held at the Showgrounds under the theme “Zambia at 62: Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future.”
Mr Chileshe said government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for Artists to develop their talents, access markets, protect their intellectual property and earn sustainable livelihoods.
He noted that the government, through the National Arts Council of Zambia, had continued to support artists and arts associations to participate in regional and international exhibitions and festivals, exposing Zambian art to wider audiences.
And, Mr Chileshe disclosed that renovation works at the Livingstone Art Gallery had commenced and once completed, it would provide Artists with a modern facility to exhibit and sell their works in the country’s tourist capital.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Visual Arts Council Chairman, Adrian Ngoma, disclosed that the Council has four galleries in selected provinces, with plans to expand its structures to all 10 provinces and develop functional art centres that would provide exhibition space, training, mentorship, research and entrepreneurship opportunities.
He called for increased investment in art Centres and galleries across the country to strengthen the sector and expand opportunities for artists.
Mr Ngoma stated that the Council would also explore collaboration with government’s youth internship programme to provide young people with practical experience in gallery management, art conservation, exhibition management, marketing and art education.
In a vote of thanks, former Zambia National Visual Arts Council Chairperson, Mulenga Chafilwa, called for greater investment in professional arts education and training.
Mr Chafilwa said many Zambian artists were self-taught and relied on sharing knowledge and experiences among themselves to develop their skills.
He welcomed government’s involvement in the arts sector and called for sustained support to ensure that Artists had access to appropriate facilities and programmes.
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