The National Arts Council has been without a substantive CEO for a few years now since it's establishment.
It was expected that the recruitment of the CEO would be completed by August 2022 after the Board Chairperson, Thabo Brian Dithebe then said they had completed the organisational structure and recruitment of executive management, but that was not the case.
However, Ludo Sefako, was then roped in to serve as the interim CEO.
Following her appointment, Ellis is quoted as saying she is happy to be part of the Arts Council, given her intrinsic passion for the creative industry.
Built on strong foundation of principled, skilled and driven individuals, Ellis said the Arts Council is on the right direction, adding that she is motivated by strong baseline indicator guiding its prospects and endeavours.
The statement further read that when addressing the Board, the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare underscored the importance of fast-tracking the commercialization of the creative industry in Botswana, adding that the Arts Council should guard against any corrupt practices and become an epitome of good governance.
The appointment of a substantive CEO will be a welcome development for stakeholders with a primary interest in the arts sector, as there have been concerns over delays. The concern was that it had taken too long for the National Arts Council to function since Rakgare appointed an 11-member board in 2021 to provide strategic direction and leadership to the new organisation.
The Arts Council’s responsibility is to coordinate governance, facilitate cultural exchanges with other countries and stakeholders, advise the government on matters relating to arts and culture, and encourage and facilitate the commercialisation of arts and cultural activities among others.
