Mthethwa promises change for the arts

"From the government perspective, to help the sector to discover its mission and fulfilling it, we commit to... creating a new policy agenda," said Mthethwa in a speech prepared for delivery in Johannesburg at a national dance and theatre conference.

   

Mthethwa said current policy would be reviewed in order to best establish improved conditions, regulations and governance in the sector.
   

The government also wanted to facilitate "credible structures" to unify the sector, said Mthethwa, citing the example of the culture and Creative Industries Federation of SA.
   

He also said that "incubators" would be created to support artistic development.
   

Community-based arts would be recognised and, where necessary, new infrastructure would be provided to support these programmes.
   

Mthethwa also said his department would collaborate with the education sector "to ensure that the importance of arts in schools is recognised".
   

He said his department was ready to work with the advisory committee established at the conference - an event attended by various practitioners of theatre and dance.
   

"We look forward to working with the task team in the months to come," said Mthethwa.
   

In a separate statement, the department of arts and culture detailed some of the tasks of the committee which include dealing with the accreditation of arts teachers, addressing gender parity, as well as labour and tax compliance issues.
   

A review of national arts festivals and audience development were also on its agenda.