By Senior Entertainment Reporter
Many arts associations and promoters in Midlands province and arround the country may fail to have their operating certificates renewed this year as the government hiked annual renewal fees by about 1000% last year, a development which artists say is out of reach of many.
In her announcement last year, the Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry stated that 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 is now supporsed to pay pay US$500, compared to $560 Zimbabwe dollars, and associations will be charged US$250, up from ZW$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 year ago players in the arts sector in Midlands have castigated the rise in membership fee, saying it will kill the arts sector,promote illegal operations and hinder upcoming artistes willing to register with the arts council.
In separate interviews scores of artists castigated the regulating authority,National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) for the gesture.
“This is a total betrayal from those who purport to be representing us. The rise of registration fees for National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is against the spirit of Chapter12 Section 759 to 766 of the National Development Strategy which make it imperative for the state to chart a new transformative and inclusive development agenda,”said Midlands arts adminstra populor poet and author,Dumisani Ndlovu.
Legendary Reggae Musician and DUNANGA Communications founder and director Joseph Tatenda Nhara said the decision was 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.
Midlands State University Arts lecturer who spoke on conditions of anonmity accused the NACZ of being run as tuckshop.
“Because in a tuckshop, you own it, you do as you wish. In a tuckshop there are no laws. You just sleep, dream, and wake up and impliment whatever you dreamt about, as such they decide willy-nilly on how much must be paid by associations and how much be charged to arts promoters”
“There was no clarity, there was no explanation given to artists,’’said the revered arts tutor.
Gweru based gospel musician, Adamson Jeketera 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 are now penalising artists by increasing fees without justification.
Image Modelling Consultancy Founder and Director, Mavis Koslek equally expressed concern over the increase saying “It is quite disturbing. 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 such as grants and soft loans as they used to do yester-years,” said Shurugwi rural based Dorset Performing Arts group Director, Siphosami Ndlovu, encouraging the NACZ to improve their service.
NACZ spokesperson,Rodney Ruwende is on record saying the old fees structure could not adquately cater for its operations.
“Ideally the fees should cater for NACZ operations and development programs which as not been the case due to the low fees. Although the government, through treasury is said to be providing the bulk of the budgetary support, there is nothing to show up as most provincial offices serve for Harare are reportedly operating at Zero budget.
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