06 Feb 2018

Performing artistes have been urged to keep their work original and avoid the pitfalls of copying.

The call was made by the South East District deputy district commissioner, Richard Boitshwarelo during the constituency arts competitions in Tlokweng on February 3.

He cautioned the artistes against performing work which was not their own saying that was a breach of the law and they could face repercussions for such.

Nonetheless artistes should not be afraid to have their work inspired by other artistes, he said

Boitshwarelo added that the call to have an original work would help artistes to grow and have their work appreciated.

That, he said would enable artistes to be able to put food on the table and support their families.

He said the government would continue to support artistes and added that whenever an opportunity arose to engage artistes, the government would not shy away from engaging them and compensate them for their talent.

Therefore he said it was important that they took part in the constituency arts competitions as it helped to market and develop their talents

Earlier, senior programmes officer in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment Sport And Culture Development Thato Motswakwa said the competitions unearthed and showcased talent which could be somehow hidden in the village.

Also, the constituency arts competitions she said, helped to prepare the artistes for the annual President’s Day Competitions where they would fight for the national prizes.

She was elated about the increased number of participants saying the constituency had been having an average of 58 participants in the competitions but the number increased to 78 participants.

“This shows that our outreach programmes are bearing fruit,” she added.

Motswakwa noted that art could assist the participants to sustain their lives hence more participation meant more people werere reached out to better their lives with their talents.

The constituency arts competitions were held under the theme 'Creative Industry, a Vehicle for Sustainable Development.' ENDS