The National Arts Council of Namibia (NACN) has completed its 14-region consultation tour aimed at reviewing the existing National Arts Fund Act No. 1 of 2005 and drafting new supporting regulations.
This significant endeavor, supported by the UNESCO-Aschberg programme, began on 1 July 2024 and concluded on 18 July 2024, following an initial pre-phase consultation on 26 June 2024 in Windhoek.
“These consultations were a vital part of NACN’s mission to strengthen and support the arts sector in Namibia,” says NACN administrator Ms Gretta Gaspar.
“The review of the National Arts Fund Act No. 1 of 2005 is a crucial step towards creating a more robust and effective framework for arts funding and development. The process also included the formulation of new regulations to ensure clarity, legal compliance, and operational efficiency.”
Gaspar says that 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.
“From the vibrant launch in Keetmanshoop on 1 July 2024, the tour highlighted enthusiastic and insightful contributions from across the nation, featuring dynamic youth participation, lively artist’s interactions, overwhelming public support, and spirited intergenerational engagement.”
“The NACN is grateful for the enthusiastic participation and invaluable contributions from all attendees and stakeholders,” Gaspar says.
“Their insights will be instrumental in shaping the revised National Arts Fund Act No. 1 of 2005 and its regulations, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment for the arts in Namibia.
“In addition, the NACN would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the UNESCO-Aschberg programme for making a project of this magnitude possible.”
As the NACN moves forward with the drafting of the new regulations, “we encourage all stakeholders to stay engaged and continue to provide feedback. Those who could not attend the consultations can still make their voices heard by submitting their recommendations via the Google form, the link to which is available on the NACN Facebook page (National Arts Council of Namibia).
“Stakeholders are also encouraged to be on the lookout on the NACN social media pages for updates on the upcoming panel discussions and validation dates.”
In the photo: The consultation participants at Omuthiya, and also Nkurenkuru.
