FNB Zambia rewards top student artists

By GIDEON NYENDWA

GOVERNMENT has hailed FNB Zambia’s secondary school visual arts competition as a model partnership for nurturing young talent and strengthening the country’s creative economy, as the bank awarded more than K235, 000 in prizes to the top 10 student artists and launched an international art excursion for the top three winners.
Speaking during the grand finale held at the Zambian Italian Cultural Centre in Lusaka, Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu, in a speech read by Permanent Secretary Fumba Chama, said the initiative demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration between Government and the private sector.
Mr Nkandu said the country’s arts and creative industry, which contributes less than one percent to GDP, can only grow through sustained investment, mentorship, and strategic platforms for young creatives.
He commended FNB Zambia for going beyond corporate social responsibility to invest in nation-building.
“By nurturing these young minds and providing a platform for their talents, FNB is showing that the arts are a vital driver of economic growth and social cohesion,” he said.
Mr Nkandu added that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for such initiatives under the national arts policy which prioritises creative entrepreneurship and internationalising Zambian arts.
Mr Nkandu also applauded the bank for introducing the new South Africa Art Excursion, saying the exposure will broaden the students’ creative horizons and position the country’s talent on the global stage.
This year’s top honour went to James Silungwe of Solwezi Urban Secondary School, who won K30, 000 for emerging first in the competition. Lusungu Chima of Helen Kaunda Secondary School claimed second place with a K20, 000 cash prize, while Trevor Chipita, also from Solwezi Urban Secondary School, won K10, 000 for third place. All three will travel on an all-expenses-paid, three-day educational trip to South Africa, where they will receive mentorship from established professional artists.
In total, the bank awarded K130, 000 in cash prizes to the top 10 student winners and donated K105, 000 worth of art materials to the schools represented by the top three students. Each school will receive art supplies valued at K35, 000 to enhance visual arts education.
FNB Zambia chief executive officer Kapumpe Chola said the bank remains committed to uplifting communities through initiatives that recognise creativity as a powerful tool for economic empowerment and cultural identity.