By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera says government appreciates the role that artists play in the country.
In his speech, monitored on Monday 15 April 2024 afternoon on public broadcaster MBC, the President said he appreciated of the various creative roles that artists give Malawians.
“I promise artists that my government will ensure that they operate in an environment that is conducive and favourable for them to flourish,” he said.
The President further said government will see to it that the long-awaited National Arts and Heritage Council Bill is passed into law soon.
“I also call upon Malawians to celebrate artists whose work they enjoy today. And remember to pay for their art as that is a service or goods created with a lot of effort gone into it,” added the President.
He said some of the country’s top artists such as Faith Mussa the musician, Joyce Chavula-Mhango the actress, Samson Kambalu the visual artist, Maria Thundu the photographer and Lily Alfonso the fashion designer as some of the creatives who deserve to be celebrated.
April 15 is World Arts Day, an international celebration of the fine arts which was declared by the International Association of Art to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide.
It is a celebration to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art, was proclaimed at the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2019.
