By Chisomo Phiri
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika on Thursday launched the Investment School of Creative Arts at Sunbird Nkopola Leisure Centre in Mangochi.
The Investment School of Creative Arts is a project being implemented by the Copyright Society of Malawi in partnership with NICO Group.
Speaking at the event, Chomanika described the school of investment as a key in ensuring that artists are attaining the required transformation in financial management, investment and monestising their craft.
The Deputy Minister urged artists in the country to be at the centre of self-reliance and inclusivity which the country’s vision represents.
He said the 2063 blueprint put artists at the centre as agents of mindset change and called upon the sector to embrace change.
“The first enabler of the vision is mindset change and you cannot change the mindset of the people when the sector itself is not changed.
“Your life should be able to communicate something before you say anything,” said Chomanika.
He disclosed that the government remains committed to advancing the affairs of the creative sector by setting up necessary instruments for them to showcase their works.
“We know as government we have made promises but, we are trying hard and for example we have made great advancements for National Arts and Heritage Council (NAHEC) Draft Bill. So, just watch how we progress,” he said.
Copyright Society of Malawi Board Chairperson Bishop Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango said artists have for a long time been fighting for recognition and support but have been neglected.
NICO Asset Managers Chief Executive Officer Daniel Dunga described the initiative as a great investment in the creative sector.
Some of the artists in the first cohort at the school include Gwamba, Wikise, Leslie, Sangie, Kell Kay, Johnny Zembani, Kim of Diamonds, Driemo, Che Mandota, Tuno and Khama Khwiliro.
