05 Dec 2013

The arts and culture industry though largely recognised for entertainment, creativity, promotion and preservation of culture and its economic benefit, it is mostly ignored.



Speaking at the official opening of the Market Day organised by the Department of Arts and Culture recently in Maun, the Deputy Council Secretary (Finance and Administration) Nigel Mangoye said the industry had untapped potential to develop the economy in the Maun region as a whole.



He said thus, the purpose of the market day was to promote local products, market and educate the public on visual arts in Botswana, give visual arts a platform to showcase their products as well as educate Batswana on arts and crafts produced in different regions in Ngamiland.

 Mangoye said artists in Shorobe, Maun, Etsha, and Tsodilo to as far as Shakawe produce high quality artworks that could diversify the economy.



He said baskets produced in Ngamiland were of a rare quality and unique therefore putting Botswana in the international market.

 The Deputy Council Secretary called upon the community to show support by purchasing locally produced artworks as it would encourage producers to do more.



He encouraged the media to publicise the event and showcase the art works for consumers to see and recognise the quality of the art pieces produced in the country. 
 Botswana Fashion Designers Association (BOFDA) vise chairperson Ms Gorata Mubu expressed gratitude that fashion was recognised as an art. 


She said their organisation at only two months old was already growing tremendously since they were represented at the Presidential awards. 

 Mubu said the designers who showcased their designs were overwhelmed with a lot of clientele.



She said the Presidential awards served as a platform that elevated their status because now they could make a better living and support their families.

 Mubu said the fashion industry has so much potential that needs to be developed and BOFDA offers structure, mentorship and support to designers and fashion experts. ENDS