Bright future ahead for NMB Arts and Culture Sector
Published: March 09, 2022<< BACK TO NEWS
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has committed itself to creating a supportive environment for local artists to develop and prosper, especially following the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This commitment was made during an Arts Indaba held at the Mendi Arts Centre in New Brighton at which various stakeholders from the Arts and Culture sector engaged in robust discussions to reflect on the impact of the pandemic and the critical issues that continue to face the sector in NMB.
Welcoming the artists to the two-day event, NMBM Portfolio Head for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Cllr Bassie Kamana, said that it was critical for the City to consult with the arts and culture sector to avoid implementing plans that were not addressing the needs of the affected artists.
"Our commitment is based on the belief that NMB artists should not feel the need to leave our Friendly City to search for greener pastures as if though there were no opportunities here. We have a mandate to work with them, to develop them and to ensure that they prosper because the arts and culture sector plays a crucial role in our society, including economically,” MMC Kamana said.
During the two-day Indaba, which ends on Thursday, 10 March 2022, artists will also get a briefing on the exciting Mandela Bay Arts Festival, which will take place in September, the 30th edition of the SPLASH Festival and research on money matters within the industry.
"It is very important for local government to hear the issues from the artists themselves and form relations with them, so that way we reduce the threat of protest action and keep each other accountable on promises made by all parties. This is not the first such an event we have held as the City and so we will also be reporting back on issues discussed last year and give progress reports,” Cllr Kamana added.
Poet Lelethu Mahambehlala, affectionately known as PoeticSoul, said she was hopeful that constructive resolutions would come out of the Indaba to forge a productive way forward as the sector had not recovered from the pandemic.
"We as artists really felt neglected during the pandemic. We understand that other matters needed to be prioritised, but we felt left behind while the pandemic continued to affect us financially due to the regulations. However, from this week’s session we really look forward to discussions that will yield positive results, not only for us as artists, but also for NMB residents as our work provides life and healing to other people,” Mahambehlala said.
Residents are encouraged to watch the livestreaming of the Indaba through the NMBM Facebook page. The Indaba takes place from 9am until 4pm.
Ends.
Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications Office.
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