16 Jul 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has highlighted the need to empower artists and related sectors to ensure that they play a pivotal role in broadening and strengthening Botswana’s economy.

Speaking at this year’s National Arts Festival awards ceremony held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on Monday, President Masisi also implored all to adopt a growth mindset towards the arts.

“It is crucial to recognise the arts not just for leisure and cultural preservation but also as vital sources of income and employment, particularly for our youth, as we diversify our economy,” the President said.

He also highlighted the need to fully recognise innovation and creativity across all economic sectors.

He indicated that, as a state party to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, Botswana was committed to fostering innovation and benefiting from digital transformation.

To that effect, he implored all government agencies and other sectors to increase their resources towards digitalisation, including harnessing it in advancing the creative sector.

“Policies and measures supporting this trajectory will drive growth in our cultural and creative spaces,” he added.

Again, he said accordingly, the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) was well-positioned to be a strategic partner while its mandate also signified government’s commitment to nurturing and commercialising the creative sector.

The President said this year’s National Arts Festival awards ceremony theme, The Creative Economy: Botswana’s Economic Future Redefined, or Tlhabololo ya Itsholelo ka Dikgwebo Tsa Botaki le Bodiragatsi, resonated deeply with Pillar 1 of the national Vision, which underscored the collective responsibility to nurture and develop the creative industries, recognising their potential to drive economic growth and diversification.

President Masisi further appreciated achievements of previous National Arts Festival winners, who had successfully taken Botswana’s artistic prowess to international markets as well as many other artists who continued to perform exploits and earn accolades with their talent-reach that had been expanded to international platforms.

“There is, indeed, profound evidence that the arts competitions have grown tremendously as illustrated by an increase in participation from 12 033 in 2023 to 15 469 this year, highlighting the growing appreciation and preservation of our culture,” he said.

He further said this year’s introduction of the Clap and Tap category, a popular form of gospel music, attracted even more audiences and participants because it evoked powerful emotions and reflections in the domain of spirituality.

The President also applauded all finalists for their exceptional performances, showcasing their creativity and dedication to promoting and preserving Botswana culture.

He also appreciated sponsors for their invaluable support and contributions to the initiative as well as the winners, who he said their hard work and talent had made Botswana proud.

“I assure you that government will continue to support your artistic endeavours, enabling your success to extend beyond our borders,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for government to be thoughtful, bold and daringly imaginative about expanding ways to monetise cultural products and artefacts.

“In this regard, I am pleased with the increased prize money, with the top award rising from P30 000 to P50 000. This reflects that if we all raise our level of commitment to support and reward artistic excellence, this country can go far,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Arts Festival awards ceremony not only celebrated incredible talent, dedication and creativity of Botswana’s artists, but it also showcased the diversity of talents in the country.

“This event is more than just an awards ceremony. It is also a powerful testament to the unwavering commitment of government to support and uplift artists from all walks of life and recognise, in a special way, your invaluable contributions to our nation’s economy and cultural heritage,” President Masisi said. ENDS