The Malawian government is pushing for greater investment and collaboration in the local arts sector. According to the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Shadrick Namalomba recently urged policymakers, technology companies, academia, and content creators to work together to expand the country's digital and creative economy. Speaking at a recent university innovation talk, Namalomba stated that the creative industry should be viewed as more than just a source of entertainment. He described the arts as a main driver for economic growth, exports, and job creation in Malawi.
In international arts news, a new campaign is raising funds to support young poets living in Malawi's Dzaleka Refugee Camp, AnimationWorld reports. The Kids Entertainment Professionals for Young Refugees organisation launched its "Artists for Artists!" initiative on Monday, sponsored by Lion Forge Entertainment. The campaign directly funds African Youth Artistic Poetry, a writing and performance workshop created for young residents at the camp. As part of the fundraiser, a live event is scheduled for June 19 in New York City, where attendees will watch and interact with the Dzaleka poets using real-time immersive video technology.