The education ministry says a N$50-million allocation will support creative industries through funding, infrastructure, training, policy reform and regional development initiatives.
The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture says the allocation announced by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is not solely meant for creative awards.
Part of the funding will be used to carry out a feasibility study that aims to identify how best to support Namibia’s different regions based on their unique needs.
REVIEWING THE ACT
The ministry has also confirmed that the review of the National Arts Fund Act, which began in 2023, is almost complete.
The draft is currently with legal drafters at the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.
Executive director of education innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Erastus Haitengela says the previous law allowed for the funding of facilities and equipment, but did not have clear regulations in place.
“Therefore, the regulations will outline grant processes and will address the infrastructure and equipment funding. The draft bill and supporting regulations will be finalised by the end of June and will be submitted to the attorney general for final scrutiny and endorsement to submit for Cabinet approval,” he says.
To support the creative industry in a more holistic way, Haitengela says the ministry plans to partner with municipalities and town councils to establish creative hubs that are suited to the needs of each region.
“Namibia’s local content and distribution plans aim at establishing a stimulus plan for the local film and television industry during the 2025/26 financial year.
“The budget will cover setting up a film equipment facility under the Namibia Film Commission and support the creation of local television services and 14 regional short films,” he says.
BETTER EDUCATION
The ministry also plans to improve arts education across the country.
This will include training teachers and creating a funding facility for creative entrepreneurs.
The goal of this facility is to provide collateral or guarantees for loans to help promising creative businesses grow.
“This is aimed at enhancing support to stakeholders by improving funding models, improving access to the arts in all regions, and exposure for artistic work.
“The Arts and Creative Industries Awards will be one of these activities. However, this will not be for the total of the N$50-million allocation,” Haitengela says.
To strengthen planning and policy in the arts sector, the ministry will also set up an information, research and marketing unit.
This unit will be responsible for collecting data and producing insights on the arts and creative industry.
In addition, the ministry is currently in talks with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to help shape a national cultural and creative industries strategy.
“The priority initiatives include improving subsidies, grants and mobility funding to artists, arts groups, and creative organisations …
“Also to increase platforms and initiatives to promote the arts and creative industries small and medium enterprises and initiatives aimed to revive and create national arts platforms, such as the Namibian Music Awards, Music Makers Competition, the Choral Network, the Handful of Namibians music compilation, the Creative Industry Guide and the Namibia Arts and Creative Summit.
“This is in addition to the establishment of new initiatives such as the National Arts Festival to promote the arts and creative industries,” the executive director says.
These efforts will be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation.
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