19.7% increase in funds allocated to the Council of Arts and Culture

By Siphesihle Dlamini

The Council of Arts and Culture has seen an increment of 19.7 per cent, from 8 682 735 allocated last financial year to 10 814 692 in 2024.

This was announced by the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg in his budget speech. The news has been met with gratitude by stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, who see this as a positive step in the right direction towards improving the industry.

Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO, Stanley Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the increment and said this is humbling as the arts and culture sector in less developed countries is less funded by the government, than by NGOs and foundations. 

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“We appreciate the government for the increment in this financial year’s budget. That cannot be taken lightly,” he said. Dlamini added that the government’s decision to increase funding for arts and culture is a testament to their belief in the industry and its growth potential. 

The minister mentioned that the local arts and culture industry is performing very well. He said the creative economy is doing well and individuals in the sector are making huge money. 

He emphasized the positive impact of the arts and culture sector on the economy, citing successful events like the MTN Bushfire and The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, which attract both local and international audiences, boosting tourism and showcasing local talent on a global stage.

STRIDES

Dlamini said it is evident that the government has seen strides in the arts and culture sector as the industry has been producing the finest artists.

He also pointed out the role of artists as ambassadors for the country, noting that their success and recognition abroad can attract investment and opportunities back home. 

“If you want a country to be recognised, you have to give priority to arts and culture, as artists are walking billboards that advertise a country, attracting investors to the country,” he said.

Dlamini highlighted the achievements of local creatives on the international stage, underscoring the importance of prioritizing arts and culture to enhance a country’s global presence.

“The more we export artists, the more the artists come back to their communities and transform and boost the economy,” he said. 

The CEO added that even on international awards and platforms, local creatives are doing well, soaring high, and achieving pole positions. He mentioned that “Artists are ambassadors. Foreign people would love the language and start developing interest in the artists’ origin,” he added.

RECOGNITION

He made an example of how artists who have been performing at the Surajkund International Craft Mela Festival in India have attracted a lot of recognition. Dlamini stated that this move has opened for internals’ requests to execute their projects in Eswatini. 

The CEO said the budget speech delivered by Rijkenberg has ignited an instant focus on arts and culture and as a council of arts and culture they are willing to go the extra mile to develop the sector.

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He also stated that they are pushing to make sure that the art is monetised and enable artists to earn a living through their talents. 

Dlamini outlined ambitious plans to further develop the sector with a focus on talent identification and grooming, especially in the regions.

He said they will work towards hosting regional festivals in the country’s four regions so that the talent identified can get exposure. 

“We are ready to work, unearth and develop talents in the country so that we can more creative exports,” he said. 

Dlamini also hinted about having more regional arts centres, where artists can rehearse and hone their skills. He said the money injected will buy equipment that the artists can use, free of charge to better their artistry. 

The CEO said these centres will also host art masterclasses and training. He added that the centres will also offer a rehearsal space. “These centres will accommodate musicians, visual artists and theatre players.”

Dlamini also revealed that to empower artists, they will host the National Arts and Culture Awards which will commence from the regional level. The goal is to create a supportive environment where artists can thrive and contribute to the cultural and economic landscape of Eswatini.