As a way of preserving and promoting the country’s struggling industries of culture and arts, Blantyre City Council has stepped in to support the annual Blantyre Arts Festival (Baf).
Speaking at the opening of this year’s Baf at Blantyre Cultural Centre (BCC), Mayor for Blantyre City Noel Chalamanda, said the city is ready to help Baf.
This is the first time for the arts sectors to receive such an outright commitment from the city father.
“Let me take this opportunity to announce that we will sign a memorandum of understanding [MOU] between Baf and the Blantyre City Council to ensure that we work together in preserving and promoting the country’s culture through the festival,” said Chalamanda, attracting a round of applause from the patrons.
According to the mayor, it is a ‘shame’ that his office did not support this year’s Baf; hence, the fresh commitments towards working with Baf.
“We want to take the city of Blantyre back to the people. They should own the initiative,” said Chalamanda.
He also called on partners to support the country’s cultural and arts initiatives, saying it is one way of giving back to society.
On his part, Baf chairperson Alfred Msadala said he was pleased with the commitment of Blantyre City through the Mayor’s office.
“This partnership will see Baf growing to the next level. We want the festival to be owned by people, including Blantyre residents,” said Msadala.
