The Ministry of Arts, Youths and Sports Permanent Secretary (PS), Fumba Chama popularly know as Pilato says the Ministry is prioritizing the development of the creative sector in Zambia.
In an interview with Lusaka Star Magazine, Mr Chama said this year the Government through his Ministry has initiated several initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of creatives in Zambia.
He said one of the major initiatives is financial inclusion for artists which focuses on increasing accessibility of financial services and products for artists.
“The Ministry has partnered strategically with ZANACO bank as well as other financial and non financial institutions to build the industry and to provide financial literacy training for creatives in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Livingstone,” Pilato said.
He added that the initiative will be extended to other provinces before the end of the year.
“ To achieve this, government has also prioritized the development of both the hard and soft infrastructure; and the development of The National Arts Policy and The National Film policy,” Mr Chama said.
The PS revealed that the Ministry concluded the drafting and validation of the two policies and that the Nation Art Policy is the first in Zambia.
He said he believes the policies will fast track the development of the creative sector and transform it into the economic driver that it should be.
“My office through the Ministry has reviewed the National Film Policy in order to include critical components that are crucial in the development of the sector,”Mr Chama said.
However, Mr Chama said this year the target of government is to invest in the creative industry rather than empowering it.
He said the Zambia Government acknowledges the creative sector as a viable sector that can create massive jobs for the young people across the country.
“In a quest to revamp the industry, the Ministry will soon commence the rehabilitation of the National Arts Gallery in livingstone since the funds have been sourced,” said Mr Chama.
Meanwhile, Mulaza Kaira popularly known as Macky 2 said the Ministry should focus more on policy awareness to artists.
He said artists are the key stakeholders and should know what their policies entails.
“ The appointment of Fumba Chama is a plus to us artists and he should be able to influence the system that is able to benefit the Zambian artists,” Macky 2 said.
He further argued the Government to utilize radio, television, print and social media awareness to make people aware of what is happening in the the arts industry.