Minister of Local Government, Culture and Unity, Richard Chimwendo Banda has assured the arts fraternity that the Tonse led administration is geared up to support and collaborate with artists in exposing their work both locally and beyond borders.
The Minister was addressing foreign diplomats, artists and art lovers when he presided over this year’s winter edition of Art in the Park Festival at Four Seasons Garden in Lilongwe.
Banda said his Ministry remains committed to erecting infrastructure for art and culture, passing the National Arts and Heritage Council bill and provision of markets.
“We are proud of what we have seen here; it is fantastic. Our artists are not only talented but also innovative, for instance, one has unpacked the life impact of Cyclone Freddy devastation in one exhibition,” he said.
The Minister added that Malawian art products ought to be packaged on the international market saying its significance cannot be overemphasised as a catalyst for development.
“Recently we supported six groups that displayed their work at the Tourism Expo which we hosted and we are mobilising artists and products for this year’s Pan African Trade Fair later in November to be held in Ivory Coast,” he said.
Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Malawi and Head of Delegation, was proud to embrace local talent by providing the much needed support to artists and platforms for exhibitions.
Organiser and Chairperson for Lilongwe Wildlife Environment Society of Malawi (LL-WESM), Nick Hall said participation is increasing over the years and was happy to hear that President Chakwera will be invited to the summer edition in November this year which will boost value of the event.
