The arts industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry globally.
However, in Namibia , despite creatives putting in hours of hard work, they do not translate into strong revenue and appreciation.
This diverse sector includes film, music, visual arts, literature and performing arts.
Namibian local producer Ben Hangero said the arts industry in Namibia is in a bad state, citing that artists cannot survive on their earnings alone.
He attributed the industry’s state to a lack of promotion, investment and appreciation.
Hangero said it is a sad reality when the government and event organisers are willing to spend a lot of money to pay international acts, and opt to pay pennies to local artists.
“Arts is taken seriously by the artists, not the public. You become the family’s black sheep in many households when art becomes your passion. There is not much being done by the government to assist artists and creatives. Artists are not paid much for their art. Only a handful get paid what they deserve for it,” he said.
He revealed that there is a glimmer of hope, as young people are starting to show a keen interest in curated events.
“Money is the biggest challenge faced by Namibian artists. Art supplies, equipment and studios cost a lot. The return for that investment is not guaranteed. It’s a luxury to be an artist in this country,” noted the artist.
Film-maker Othilia Tutu Mungoba stated that she is super-excited about the paradigm shift that is happening within the creative and cultural industry.
She said there is a lot of collaboration that is happening behind the scenes.
“We need to take ourselves more seriously as creatives, and then also just aligning our storytelling mechanisms and platforms quite intentionally. So, I am super excited about where we are right now,” she said.
She added that as creatives, they have really learned their lessons.
They are working towards intentionally positioning the industry to thrive through partnerships and collaborations.
“Many creatives or many of us do not stand together as one entity. So, when it comes to lobbying for funding or social protection, we have very little say and trajectory in that space. So, I think the challenge is that we need to be more unified as a fraternity,” she said.
M’kariko Amagulu, the director of arts in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, said the arts’ sector is the hallmark of any society.
It makes the world more colourful and worth living.
“In African traditions, arts at its most basic level plays a critical role in all stages of life during ceremonies and festivities… Many activities are happening, and exhibitions in Namibia. Moreover, Namibian corporate companies are using musicians for their events,” she noted.
The director said there is limited understanding of the arts at all levels of society, which leads to various misconceptions.
She said this is detrimental to the industry receiving the appropriate support it deserves.
However, the industry, which has a youthful demography, is the fastest-growing industry globally.
“ Therefore , there are many opportunities for employment in the arts sector, such as art teaching, advertising and communication companies, graphic and website design, curators, illustrators for publications, photographers, session musicians, arts facilitators and trainers, art administrators and architects, as well as self-employment.
“The arts sector is one of few sectors that a particular talent and/or skill can become a business on its own, providing opportunities for self-employment,” she said.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na