The exhibition is part of the National Arts Festival, a key event offering a stage for Botswana’s artists to present their talents, creativity, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. During her speech at the event, Bridget John, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, emphasised the government’s commitment to bolstering the creative sector. She highlighted that the festival is a pivotal element in Botswana’s strategy to shift from a resource-based economy to one grounded in knowledge and creativity. “The National Arts Festival is crucial in our journey to make the creative industry a significant economic force. Initiatives like these provide vital support to our artists,” John noted. She also pointed out that the festival helps in discovering new talents who might otherwise remain unnoticed. The National Arts Council of Botswana, established in 2020, is dedicated to supporting and expanding the creative industry.
This is achieved through partnerships with the government and local artists. The impact of these efforts is evident, with over 14, 000 artists participating in this year’s festival, covering a wide range of visual and performing arts. Monica Selelo, head of visual arts at the ministry, highlighted the festival’s positive effect on artists’ careers. “The festival has enabled many artists to turn professional. They now sustain themselves and their families through their artistic endeavours,” Selelo remarked. She added that the festival also provides networking opportunities for artists, helping them to connect with potential buyers and collaborators. The festival's timeline began with a registration announcement in February, followed by regional competitions mid-year, and culminates with national finals and awards in Gaborone in July.
This year, individual winners were awarded cash prizes, reflecting the festival’s dedication to celebrating and supporting artistic achievement. The monetary awards not only recognise the artists’ hard work and creativity but also provide financial support that can help them further their artistic careers. Open to participants from all over Botswana, the National Arts Festival is an inclusive event that provides significant exposure and recognition for artists. The ongoing exhibition not only celebrates Botswana’s rich cultural traditions but also highlights the creative industry’s critical role in the country’s economic development. Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see a diverse array of artworks that reflect the vibrant culture and innovative spirit of Botswana’s artists. “As the exhibition continues through August, it is expected to attract a large number of visitors, including art enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists. This influx of visitors not only benefits the artists but also boosts the local economy by increasing foot traffic to local businesses and tourist attractions,” she said.
