VIOLET MENGO, Lusaka
FOR a long time, artists have complained of not receiving fair recognition and demanded for a ministry of their own. It finally came five years ago in the form of the Ministry of Tourism and Arts.
However, they still argue that they are not receiving fair representation in the ministry as tourism tends to dominate at the expense of the arts. In the words of former Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) chairman Maiko Zulu, “the arts are not receiving a fair share of the national cake”.
In today’s Minister’s Desk column, Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda addresses this aspect and other brewing matters concerning the arts.
Q: There is an argument that the name Ministry of Tourism and Arts is a misnomer as it should be the Ministry of Arts and Tourism. The argument is that tourism can’t develop in the absence of arts and culture?
A: The name of the ministry is important as it gives the drive to the institution. In this case, the understanding is that tourism has many facets.http://epaper.daily-mail.co.zm/
FILE: Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda flagging off the Pamodzi Carnival, which celebrates the artistic and cultural heritage of the country. Picture right, Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa (left), Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda and Minister of Justice Given Lubinda (right) attending the NATAAZ-organised National Theatre Awards at Cresta Golfview Hotel in Lusaka last year.
