Professionalising the arts

operations in order to give them equal market space and considerations.
However, the people to make the first step towards that are the arts practitioners themselves. There is need to generate talk around the issue and proffer solutions for the need to professionalise the sector.
A professionalised sector will be productive, organised and competitive. Zimbabwe’s economy needs to start to feel a growth effected by the creative industries. The potential of the arts and culture to make significant contribution to the economy of the nation cannot be under estimated.
The industries within the arts and culture thereof need to be propped and demanded of them to match to the claims. It is the NACZ view that the sleeping elephant should be awakened and play its part in leading the economic development of Zimbabwe.
Some of the areas on the table include the following:
l Formalisation of activities to conform to the economic laws of the country, paying PAYE, VAT and other such kinds of taxes.
l To invest in building organisational structures that ensure that arts activities are done not as a hobby but as a business, i.e for music, e.g hiring of band/artiste managers, publicity officers etc.
l Training to acquire basic business management skills.
l Invest in other facets of the economy like properties etc to prepare for life after music.
l To form associations and labour unions that lobby for the interests of artistes.
Already the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has drafted festival guidelines as guides for festival organisers to organise their festivals professionally.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe also held an arts management seminar to improve the professional management of arts institutions.
The council also had a meeting with band managers in a bid to address the need of professionalising and emphasising that the role of band managers is not only to book shows but to groom, guide artistes in investment opportunities.
Lastly, it is always a sad story when an artiste dies in Zimbabwe. The call for well-wishers to assist in the funeral and burial proceedings communicates a lack of seriousness and professionalism in the arts industry.
The good news is that the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with Cell Funeral Assurance now provide decent and affordable funeral cover and services to the artistes of Zimbabwe.
Artistes must be registered with the National Arts Council. Unlike many other policies the payment plan for one to enjoy the full benefits are so reasonable and affordable. Premiums are payable monthly over five months at US$10 per person which brings the total amount to US$50.
Did you know that as a composer who is registered with the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association you automatically have a funeral policy benefit besides the royalties, legal representation and the duty free importation of musical instruments?
Many times our beloved artistes are buried as mere paupers irrespective of their contribution.
We definitely look forward to better days for Zimbabwean artistes, but for now register and be rest assured that when God calls you home we will definitely give you a deserved send-off.
l Richard Kohola is a music critic and development expert who can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]