adminNkululeko Nkala
This whole week social and print media was awash with calls for a demonstration against the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage (Still think ita��s a mouthful), Mr Abednico Ncube for failing to appoint a National Arts Council board.
But who is to blame?
I think all of us.
The Minister has only just taken over from Andrew Langa (More like two sides of the same coin really).
Minister Ncube is learning the ropes just like many other ministers the world over, I swear if he had been roped in to fluid structures we would have a board or an arts industry with hope for tomorrow.
I am also sure the National Cultural Policy would have been passed in Parliament by now. But no, I feel there is a disconnect between the artists, the arts gurus , National Arts Council, The Principal Directors and Ministry officials and the Minister.
The list for those vocal about this Ministry demonstration is very impressive, the real arts gurus. Sadly they are all so intelligent but are content with fighting for donor crumbs with the rest of us, instead of taking up governance posts and filling those positions. I have said this before, until government and councils have people within them that live and eat art, we will never be taken seriously. Ita��s time we fight from within, not outside looking in. Sometimes I think some of our gurus actually enjoy this confusion, that way they can stay relevant and keep getting money for advocacy.
If the Ministry had knowledgeable people the Cultural Policy would have been passed by now and among other things it would not even matter who heads it, because structures would already be in place.
I am tempted to say we are the least recognised industry in the country, yet we have potential to contribute significantly to the GDP.
Is a board needed at NACZ?
Yes definitely, we need one to stabilise things and push the ministry to push for the arts industry. Will appointing a board to solve the industrya��s problems? Not at once, but ita��s a step in the right direction.
Are those calling for a demonstration in the right? I dona��t think so, I think we should engage and map a proper way forward, a lot needs to be fixed. The industry needs funding, censorship board needs to relax, councils need to start investing in the arts again, and the ministry needs to employ some people in the industry who have arts at heart.
A quick example: with the number of embassies in the country, we should have our art exported every week, but no.
Anyway what do I know, I am just an arts administrator-turned-musician.
Speaking of music. I finally went back on stage last weekend. For once I was not the one ready to critique but many in the audience had knives and knobkerries ready to pounce. I read a few reviews during the week and they all have one thing in common. That William Nyandoro dances better than me (sad).I would like to thank everyone that made the day possible. See I will generalise this thank you, because I learnt the value of mentioning every one the hard way. Many of those that helped got angry that I did not mention them on stage. I thought I had all the ground covered being in eventing for a while. Lesson learnt, write down every name you need mentioned. Thank you Bulawayo for the love. I will make music. Until next week, be safea��
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