2005-12-22Staff Report 2 By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK AT its last meeting this year last Friday, the National Arts Council discussed a four-day fact-finding mission to investigate the operations of the Zambia National Arts Council and funding as part of research and twinning possibilities with other arts councils in the region and or abroad. Chairperson, Vincent Mwemba, and deputy chairperson, Alma Ulamba, visited Zambia on behalf of the board. A logo competition for the Arts Council is one of the resolutions taken by the board. A formal request for entries from the local arts fraternity and the general public will be advertised in the local media early in the new year. Other matters discussed included: the opening of an independent account for the council at a local financial institution, the seating allowances for board members appointed to this professional art and culture promoting body, and a three-day workshop by an arts council expert from Botswana, planned for 20 February 2006. All project proposals for financial support thus far submitted and still to be submitted will only be considered by the board once a budget for the council's operations and activities had been finalized and secured. The National Arts Council has since its inception been operating on a shoestring budget of N$200 000 from the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture to implement its operations and activities. An annual award ceremony in recognition of all Namibian arts disciplines is one of the ideas that will be seriously considered and implemented towards the end of next year. The next board meeting will be held on February 15. 2005-12-22Staff Report 2
