KENYA: ARTISTS' EMPOWERMENT IN THE MERU COUNTY
Impressed by the array of items showcased at the
county, Africa China Culture and Art Gallery’s Duan Hongliang signed, at the
county headquarters on September 17, 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Kiraitu Murungi, the Meru Governor who wants art to become an important
sector in Meru.
This MoU aimed at empowering artists in the region to
improve skills and get better visibility for their art.
Governor Kiraitu Murungi said the partnership will see
accomplished artists train budding talent in Meru and offer them avenues to
display their work nationally and internationally.
His administration will set up five studios and
exhibition halls at Kinoru Stadium and near the Njuri Ncheke shrines in Nchiru
to encourage art.
Speaking during the signing of the MoU at the county
headquarters, Mr Murungi said he wants art to become an important sector in
Meru, adding that he is keen on seeing local artists earn good money from their
work.
“We are not looking at culture in the traditional way, people just enjoying themselves, we want to see this as a business. We want
our people to earn money out of art and our culture. We want art to be a source
of employment, job creation and cash generation for our youth,” Mr Murungi
said.
The Governor's plan is to get professionals to train the
artists so that they can sharpen their skills for them to be more competitive
and marketable.
Some of the areas the youths are being asked to
explore are music, film and photography, carving, painting, drawing and fashion
and design.
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| David Mark - Pixabay |
Mr Murungi said a number of artists who will excel in
annual art exhibitions to be held locally will be taken to China to showcase
their work through the gallery.
Africa China Culture and Art Gallery’s Duan Hongliang
said he was impressed by the array of items showcased at the county
headquarters and pledged to work with the county government to provide
platforms for exposure of the artists.
County Youth Affairs, Sports and Culture Executive
Koome Miriti said Meru has the potential to come up with a thriving music and
art industry that will offer employment to thousands of youths.
“There are plans to establish Wasanii Sacco which will
ensure more artists are reached and involved,” he announced.
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