The Government is implementing a raft of policies and programmes to support the creative and cultural industry including strengthening copyright laws and ensuring artists receive fair compensation for their work.
While pledging increased investments in the sector, Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Culture, Arts and Heritage Ms Ummi Bashir said the government was championing the passing of legislative policies that will favour players in the arts industry and called for more support from private organisations to promote the growth of the creative economy.
Ms Bashir affirmed that the government recognises the immense value of the arts and was committed to overseeing the creative industry’s continued growth and development adding that the fifth pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), emphasises the transformation of the creative sector into a sustainable industry supporting decent livelihoods.
Speaking during celebrations to mark this year’s World Arts Day held at the Agricultural Society of Kenya Show ground in Nakuru, the PS indicated that through continued investment in talent development, the government was working to create an enabling environment where artists across all disciplines could thrive.
“The government will continue to champion policies, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships that uplift our creatives, celebrate cultural diversity, and position the arts at the heart of our nation’s progress,” Ms Bashir pointed out.
She said time has come for creatives to make a meaningful life out of their art noting that the State had put in place strategies that will open opportunities for all creatives and save their Intellectual Property from exploitation.
The Economy Survey 2023 revealed that the arts, recreation and entertainment industry accounts for 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 0.25 percent of total wage employment. It was also identified as a contributor to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Kenya with a burgeoning youthful population is targeting the creative and digital economy for job creation and employment.
While calling on Kenyans to reflect on the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and drive change, Ms Bashir called upon all stakeholders, government agencies, private sector partners, development organizations, and the wider community, to continue investing in and supporting the creative sector as this will create more platforms, open additional opportunities, and amplify more voices.
Ms Bashir hailed the Kenya Cultural Centre for its dedication in promoting artistic excellence adding that the organization has been instrumental in supporting the growth of the creative and cultural industry in Kenya, thereby helping to establish the country as a stronghold for artistic and cultural expression.
The PS noted that by supporting the creative industry the government was playing a key role in fostering creative thinking and addressing high unemployment rate.
She stated that by decentralizing national events such as the World Arts Day to counties, the State was expanding access to artistic opportunities and empowering communities across the country.
The PS pointed out that the government had identified the creative economy as one of the fastest growing sectors not only as a source of employment but also as an enabler of national cohesion and innovation.
“The government has banked on programs to enhance the development of the creative economy using the digital platforms and by extension enhance its development,” added the PS.
Ms Bashir indicated that art provides a platform for people to express themselves, a situation that enables individuals to stand up for their beliefs and communicate their unique thoughts and needs.
She added that Art nurtures creativity, innovation, and celebrates cultural diversity, which she said are timeless values that transcend boundaries and bring people together, even in the most difficult of times.
“In recent years, through conflict, crisis, and even a global pandemic, the world has seen, more clearly than ever, the capacity of art to heal, uplift, and connect,” the PS added.
She added that the State would continue supporting such platforms towards cultivating talents, professionalizing them, and integrating them into the broader framework of national development and economic empowerment. By doing so she noted the creative sector will continue to thrive across every part of Kenya.
According to the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), there are over 130 Free-to-air (FTA) television stations and close to 200 radio stations. The Kenyan creative industry is estimated to have recorded over $2 billion in total sales and is projected to grow annually at 10.3 percent.
During the Arts day celebrations, a wide range of artistic disciplines including poetry, dance, monologues, music, deejay sets, acrobatics, percussion, visual arts, culinary arts, fashion and short films were showcased. Each category was awarded a cash prize of Sh100,000 in recognition of their skill and dedication
This year’s theme for World Art Day, “Art for Unity and Healing” emphasized the role of art in fostering unity, peace, and emotional well-being, highlighting its ability to connect communities, reduce mental stress, and offer emotional healing.
During the event artists were challenged to create content that identifies with African culture as it will speak to African values and will help in promoting local content internationally.
They were advised to create content that speaks to African values to tap the market, and desist from chasing Europe or America as they will not do better than foreign content creators.
World Arts Day, proclaimed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019 at its 40th General Conference, is a global celebration observed every 15th April to promote the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. It celebrates the vital role art plays in individuals’ lives both as a source of inspiration and joy, and as a force for unity, dialogue, education and peace.
By Esther Mwangi
