Utilise NAC, minister tells artistes

Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

ARTISTES should make use of the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC)and take advantage of the platform to air their grievances, Tourism and Arts Minister Charles Banda has advised.

Speaking during the national theatre awards presentation, Mr Banda said he had observed that many artistes skipped NAC but instead preferred to go directly to his office to engage him on any rising concerns.

He urged artistes to recognise NAC and make use of the platform to air any of their grievances when he officiated at the first ever National Theatre Arts Awards in Lusaka on Friday evening.

In a statement issued yesterday by public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe, said Mr Banda expressed happiness that Zambia’s young men and women had taken it upon themselves to participate in theatre whose potential was immeasurable in the economic cycle and stability of the country.

“Many artistes skip the council and head directly to my office thereby creating bottlenecks. Artistes should recognise and make use of the National Arts Council (NAC) as a channel to air their concerns,” he said.

Mr Banda who is Patriotic Front Kapoche Member of Parliament said the initiative signified a major step in the recognition of artistic excellence, talent and prowess.

He said the ceremony, which is intended to be an annual event, had been created to facilitate for the appreciation and motivation of the country’s playwrights, directors and actors.

Mr Banda said awards ceremonies were a proven avenue to foster excellence and professionalism in the creative industry.

He said government recognised the pivotal role the creative industry played in unifying the country, creating jobs and economic development.

And National Association for Theatre Arts in Zambia representative, Boyd Chibale, said 17 Groups participated actively in the year 2017.

He thanked the government for creating policies that allowed the arts to thrive in the country.

Some of the winners included Violet Sakala from The Native for best cameo, Eric Kasomo junior for best director, Samaria Musanka from Saints and Sinners for Best Supporting Actress and Maureen Banda from Wife and The Maid for best actress.