The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has concluded its nationwide consultative tour to review the National Arts Fund, Act and draft supporting regulations.
The tour, which covered the country’s 14 regions, began in July and was part of NACN’s efforts to improve arts funding in the country.
The initiative was supported by the UNESCO-Aschberg programme.
Through the consultations, the NACN gathered valuable insights from artists, arts organisations and stakeholders across the country. The aim is to ensure the revised Act adequately addresses the needs and
challenges of the Namibian arts sector.
In a statement, NACN administrator Gretta Gaspar said the consultations were a vital part of organisation’s mission to strengthen and support the Namibia’s arts sector.
“The review of the National Arts Fund Act of 2005 is a crucial step towards creating a more robust and effective framework for arts funding and development. The consultation tour was marked by overwhelming participation from artists, cultural practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders from all 14 regions of Namibia. Each session provided a dynamic platform for attendees to voice their ideas, concerns and suggestions, ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives was considered,” she said.
The tour highlighted insightful contributions from across the nation, featuring dynamic youth participation, lively artist interactions, overwhelming public support and spirited inter-generational engagement.
“The NACN is grateful for the enthusiastic participation and invaluable contributions from all stakeholders. Their insights will be instrumental in shaping the revised National Arts Fund Act and its regulations, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for the arts in Namibia,” she said.