Government Promises Continued Support For The Creative Industry
His Excellency the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi and Her Excellency the First Lady Mrs Neo Jane Masisi renowned with the Andante Chorus and its enthusiasts on Saturday 22 October 2022 at the Andante Chorus 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Gaborone.
Delivering his Keynote address, President Masisi assured Andante Chorus and the artists in general that the Government continues to improve the environment for the creatives to succeed. He stated that Parliament has passed the National Arts Council of Botswana Act that will establish the Botswana National Arts Council of Botswana. This is an umbrella body which serves to develop the creative sector in Botswana in all its facets.
His Excellency added that the Arts Council will drive the commercialisation of the arts in Botswana through specially tailored programmes and collaboration with Arts and culture associations which shall enter into commercial deals with players across different sectors of the economy, especially the private sector.
President Masisi highlighted that the revised Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) Guidelines, have allowed opportunities for the creative industry players in Botswana to use their talents as collateral to secure financial resources to invest and urged Andante to take full advantage of CEDA funding. He emphasized that commercialisation of the arts will empower more artists, increase their financial return as well as create job opportunities.
His Excellency the President was accompanied by the Minister of Minerals and Energy; Hon Lefoko Moagi Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture Hon Tumiso Rakgare and other Government officials.
Andante Chorus is an established Ramotswa Based Choral and Classic inaugurated on 18th March 2012. One of its strategic objectives is to enhance cultural tourism and the economic vitality of communities within which they exist.
