10 Jul 2023

Participation at the National Arts Festival has rapidly grown since inception in 2008. This year the competitions attracted 12 772 artists compared to the 3 274 artists who participated in 2008 countrywide.

In recognition of this development, BotswanaPost acting chief executive officer, Ofentse Mabote, said the growth signified how individuals were fully making use of the National Arts Festival.

“This is a tremendous growth and we are certain that this has significantly provided some individuals with some self-empowerment means,” he said during the opening of the National Art, Basket and Craft exhibition in Gaborone on Friday.

The exhibition themed: The Creative Economy: Botswana’s Economic Future Redefined is part of the National Arts Festival.

Mabote said while the arts festival was intended to encourage youth to make ends meet, this had also played a role towards promoting tourism, revealing the country’s diverse cultural practices and also aiding in preservation of indigenous knowledge among others.

He also noted that the outcomes of different activities by artists also contributed well to the country’s economic growth and diversification.

He said while BotswanaPost and other relevant stakeholders significantly supported the arts, it was imperative that individuals took advantage of the opportunity to drive job creation through the arts.

“Arts has the power to unite and transcend differences, it also creates a sense of belonging, foster understanding and appreciation of one another. Those who fully engage in it can help the world achieve all those. I wish to encourage them to make use of any availed opportunity so as to thrive and reach higher levels,” he said.

On other issues, Mabote said Botswana would host Inter Governmental Committee meeting which is expected to attract more than 1 100 international delegates.

He said this was a milestone that will continue to increase the visibility of the country regionally and internationally plus an effort to attract potential investors and tourists.

The meeting will be held in Kasane in December and the local economy is expected to benefit from the different activities. Ends