22 May 2019

Government recognises the important role arts  play in the development agenda of Botswana, Sejelo Station commander, Superintendent, Mogomotsi Matlapeng has said.

Supt. Matlapeng was giving a keynote address at the President’s Day Southern Regional Art Exhibition where artists from the region converged for the awards ceremony.

He commended artists for having made it to the regional competitions, a precursor to the national finals.

Supt. Matlapeng therefore reiterated the value government attached to the contribution which arts make in the development of the country at a local level.

“In the quest of attaining its goals of diversification of the economy and sustainable development, government  seeks to mobilise the arts activities to empower practitioners and improve their livelihoods,” he said.

He said the garments, arts and crafts exhibited were a sample of the quality of work that ‘we’ have as Batswana.

He therefore stated that the exhibition was to highlight the role that arts play in the transformation of the people’s lives and in unearthing, recognition and development of talent amongst the artists.

“The aim of this exhibition is to promote art-making in the country. It is therefore important for the artists to be on the lookout for all available opportunities so that they can effectively participate, continue nurturing their talents and gauge their skills for competitiveness,” he said.

He noted that as arts naturally draws generations together for leisure, pride and social cohesion, stakeholders would derive great pleasure in the gathering which not only included artist, but also the craft producers of the country.

“I am aware that artist registered to participate in this noble endeavor, artworks and garments have been collected. This is testimony to the fact that our district is endowed with talent that can create employment and diversify the economy at grassroots level,” he said.

Supt. Matlapeng shared that there was going to be an awareness event which would be held as a follow up to address some of the gaps identified during the whole process.

“This will be to provide guidance, enhance the support and nurture local talent and prepare artists to be more creative in the development of their artworks.

I hope such intervention will encourage our artists to take more interest in pursuing the competition and other initiatives for success of the local talent,” he said.

In closing, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, official based in Lobatse, Boingotlo Mogojwa, noted that Botswana was one of the countries globally hard hit by challenges of unemployment especially amongst the youth, and as such arts was  one part of government effort towards job creation.

Mogojwa said besides creation of employment, the aim was to encourage talents and unity, contribute towards economic transformation, adding that going to the national level means more exposure to artists and an opportunity to benchmark from others.

Categories included graphic design, beadwork, Jewelry, Painting, Drawing, Pottery, Basketry, Tapestry, and Textile amongst others. ENDS