Copyright Fund awards 15 innovators in its fourth call for proposals

Updated on September 13, 2024
by Lester Mhone

The government has reaffirmed its commitment in promoting the country’s cultural diversity and creativity by funding innovative projects through the Copyright fund.

The fund which is under the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) is aimed at making positive impact on the creative sector and the community at large across the country through various initiatives.

Announcing the recipients of its fourth call for proposals, Copyright fund committee’s chairperson Christopher Magomero, cited that they have awarded 15 projects totalling to 115 million kwacha from 110 applications which they received.

Magomero cited that the selected projects showcase the diversity of Malawi’s creative sector, covering music, capacity building, training, raising awareness, and innovative areas such as mental health.

He said the fourth call demonstrates the fund’s commitment to supporting a wide range of creative projects, including those that address pressing issues like mental health.

“So we think that with this fourth call, we have been able to add other areas that are not popular, like issues to do with mental health, for example, which is an issue that is becoming of concern to Malawi. And we think it’s also important that we are becoming a concern within the creative sector,” Magomero said.

He added by urging the awardees to follow their proposed plans and maintain open communication throughout the implementation process.

One of the awardees, Limbani Kalilani popularly known as Taygrin, commended the initiative, saying it’s the kind of support that artists require in the industry for them to flourish.

“We need to hold each other’s hands…if we can all come together to build an industry that is flourishing, I think this is definitely an exceptional project,” Taygrin said.

Kalilani noted that the awarded projects will address some specific areas which have been overlooked in the past.

“I’ve seen some projects that have been awarded that are very, very creative…I think this is definitely an exceptional project,” He added.

Kalilani then urged other companies, individuals, and organizations to come on board and support the initiative. “Let’s partner up…let’s look at what we can do, the kind of projects we can achieve in this country to grow our industry,”.