Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Pauline Gekul has commended the achievement attained by the Arts Sector since the country gained independence in 1961.
Speaking in Dodoma on Saturday, Gekul said the arts sector has reaped huge success in the 60 years of independence.
The Deputy Minister said the arts sector led in generating the country’s revenue in the year of 2018/19 whereas it contributed up to 13.7 per cent to the revenue.
She said a department for arts development was formed after a new ministerial structure in 2016 and before that the department was under the cultural department.
“Arts department is responsible for handling the development of all arts activities in the country and that includes films, music, comedy, dances, drums, painting, drawings, carvings and other associated artistic works,” she said.
Gekul mentioned another achievement as establishment of the National Arts Council (BASATA) in 1984 following the enactment of the 23rd law that allowed the operation of the council.
Among other responsibilities, Gekul said Basata is tasked for artists’ registrations and their operations, standing for their rights, finding markets for their works and regulating formation of various artistic associations across the country.
“The good work by the arts council witnessed the emergence of Bongo Fleva and Singeli music, rising of the arts of modern carvings and other artistic groups such as Ujamaa, Mawingu, and Kimbulumbulu,” said the Deputy Minister.
Other milestones reached in the arts sector include the formation of Tanzania Film Board in 1976 which was tasked with handling all film matters including registration of artists, standing for their rights and witnessing the emergence of the Bongo Movie in recent years.
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