National Arts Council of Zambia Secures $95,000 Funding from UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved funding of $95,000 (K2,500,000) for the National Arts Council of Zambia (NAC) to enhance the country’s arts business environment.
The funding was approved during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, from February 11-14, 2025.
This is the first time Zambia has received support from UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD). The total IFCD allocation for the session amounted to $1,023,290.65, covering 12 projects across UNESCO’s five electoral groups. NAC’s 18-month project will focus on revising outdated legislation governing Zambia’s cultural and creative industries, including the National Arts Council of Zambia Act and the Theatres and Cinematography Exhibitions Act.
In addition to strengthening regulatory frameworks, the project will focus on improving working conditions for artists by developing National Arts Labour Standards, a Code of Conduct, and conducting national consultations to revise and elaborate policies. This project complements Zambia’s ongoing efforts, such as the recently approved National Arts and National Film Policies.
Chama Fumba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, led the Zambian delegation to UNESCO’s session and expressed how the funding aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to transforming the creative sector from a social to a socio-economic one. Fumba emphasized the importance of the arts sector’s economic potential, particularly its ability to create jobs and contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
“The government is committed to placing the creative sector at the center of economic growth due to its potential to create future businesses and jobs,” said Mr. Fumba.
Fumba further encouraged artists to position themselves as key players in Zambia’s economic development, highlighting the government’s efforts to provide the necessary resources for the sector’s growth. The project’s expected results include the creation of fair labor practices, gender equality, and improved working conditions for artists across Zambia.
The project is poised to bring long-term benefits, including the revision of critical policies that support the development of dynamic cultural and creative sectors. The initiative is expected to ensure equitable compensation, enhance sustainable working conditions for artists, and strengthen governance frameworks in Zambia’s creative industries.
This update comes from Ms. Naomi Mweemba, Zambia’s First Secretary, Press at the Zambian Embassy in Paris.
