The Copyright Fund has disbursed 350 million kwacha to support creative projects by 26 individuals and associations under its eighth and ninth calls for applications.

 

Copyright Fund Chairperson Robert Kapyepye hopes the funding will support local creatives in implementing their projects and enable selected artists to participate in international events that can open up opportunities for collaboration, investment and market access.

 

Speaking during the announcement of the beneficiaries in Lilongwe, Kapyepye said the eighth call targeted individuals with creative projects and cultural and heritage associations seeking to undertake development initiatives in their communities.

He said the call has benefited 18 individuals, with K200 million earmarked for disbursement.

 

The ninth call, on the other hand, is supporting Malawian creatives to attend the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) event in Lagos, Nigeria, which brings together artists and other players in the African creative economy.

Kapsyepsye said the initiative will help to expose the country’s creatives to training, networking and business opportunities, helping them develop products that can compete in international markets.

 

“We believe Malawi has the potential to create export-ready material. When these artists go there, they will be exposed and trained, and when they come back, they should be able to make a difference in their lives and contribute to Malawi’s economy,” he said.

 

He added that supporting the creative sector is in line with efforts to digitise and monetise the industry while generating foreign exchange and contributing to the country’s development aspirations under Malawi 2063 agenda.

 

Meanwhile, one of the ninth-call beneficiaries, Dorothy Kingston, who represents the film industry, welcomed the funding, saying it will enable her to participate in CANEX and explore opportunities for growth in the international market.

 

Kingston, who received K15 million towards her trip to Nigeria, said the event will provide a platform for creatives to network, establish partnerships and seek investment.

 

She described the funding as an important step in supporting the Malawian artists to participate in international events, urging the Copyright Fund to sustain the initiative.

 

Kingston also encouraged other creatives to apply for future funding opportunities, saying more artists can benefit if they continue submitting proposals whenever calls for applications are announced.

By Peter Dumayo