By Chisomo Phiri
Director of Chitoliro Productionz, Ken ‘Zizwa’ Limwame, has urged the government to establish more specialized schools of arts to nurture the creative talents of individuals and contribute to the economic development of the country.
He made the call on Wednesday during the start of the two-day Chitoliro Conference for Cultural and Creative Industries at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.
Said Limwame:”The argument is that art is an inherent part of human identity and cultural expression, and everyone has the potential to be an artist.
“While some may excel in drawing, others may find their voice in singing or other forms of artistic expression.
“The importance of art in human development cannot be overstated, and it is essential to recognize its value in shaping our identity and cultural heritage.”
He explained that to fully harness the power of the country’s arts and cultural creative industries, there is a need for policy frameworks, support mechanisms, and strategies to commercialize these industries.
“This will not only make their contribution to the country’s economic development more visible but also significant.”
“By investing in specialized arts schools and providing the necessary resources, we can unlock the creative potential of individuals and foster a vibrant arts sector that drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
“Let us embrace the arts as a vital part of our human experience and work towards creating an ecosystem that supports and celebrates creativity in all its forms,” he said.
On his part,chairperson of the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA),Reverend Dr. Chimwemwe Mhango, echoed Limwame’s sentiments by calling for collaborative efforts in the promotion of the country’s creative industry.
“There is indeed a need for the country to open up more schools of arts.”
“The country has more talented people that need to be well-nurtured to open up their minds and understand their roles even during their challenging times of their career,” said Mhango.
The conference was held under the theme’ Evolutionary Exploration of Creative Industries’ Role for Sustainable Development’
