By Dumisani Ndlovu
Local artists are crying foul over the rise of registration fees for National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).
In a recent announcement, the Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry stated that the move will enable the NACZ to cater more effectively to its clients.
Under the new regulations, artists will be required to pay US$20 for initial registration, while promoters will need to pay US$650, up from $1,860 (local currency).
Trusts and venues will now pay US$500, compared to $560, and associations will be charged US$250, up from $260.
Meanwhile, the fee for local show clearance has been set at US$100 per month, while for engaging foreign artistes, NACZ will get 5% of gate takings or US$1,000.
An arts group will pay US$50 for initial registration and the same fee for annual renewal.
The council will also receive 5% of the invoice for clearance of broadcasting, sound and musical equipment.
Although Coventry announced the changes in terms of section 35 of the National Arts Council Act through Statutory Instrument 46 of 2023, which were published in the Government Gazette a forty night ago Players in the arts sector in Midlands have castigated the rise in membership fee, saying it will hinder upcoming artistes willing to register with the arts council.
Legendary Reggae Musician and DUNANGA Communications founder and director Joseph Tatenda Nhara said the decision is ill-timed and the NACZ should have done a broad consultation before increasing the fees.
“This increase is unjustified and should be condemned. This is occurring at an inappropriate time when the majority of artists are suffering most. It is incompetent for any association that purports to represent the interests of artistes to support such an inconsiderate decision.
Shurugwi rural based Dorset Performing Arts group Director, Siphosami Ndlovu said the increase is unfair given the fact that NACZ does not ensure artistes get their royalties and have done nothing to help stop piracy, but they can penalise artists by increasing fees without justification.
Image Modelling Consultancy equally expressed concern over the increase saying “I was shocked beyond words. I feel it negates what we have gained in trying to establish systems that benefit the artistes. While I understand the administrative needs, my question is: If artists can’t pay $260 bond or RTGs, will they be able to march the $250 and $650?
“I think its segregationally or discriminatory in nature. Maybe NACZ wants to deal with only reputable artistes, but if they raise their fees, they should as well as compensate with good service.
Zvishavane sungura musician who declined to be identified, who is a member of Zimbabwe Music Union, encouraged the NACZ to improve their service.
But Harare based visual artist, Keith Zenda said the fee was reasonable.
“On a positive note the National Art Council of Zimbabwe registration fees going up and being paid in USD this will awaken the artists to be more serious with arts and to become more innovative as well. Anything for free or cheap will not be taken seriously.
“Now as I know this NAC Certificate is more valuable in terms of registration fee I’ll not sleep on it but to use it to the maximum possible. This will make the association members to pay up the subscription fees and to be more committed as well, “Zenda said in one of the NACZ Midlands whatsApp groups.
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