We Are Missing The Bigger Picture

It’s always so disheartening to see Namibians discrediting the efforts of artists and creatives in the country.

In a world where the vibrant colours of a painting, the beautiful chords of a melody and the compelling narratives of a film shape our daily lives, it is inconceivable that those who create such beauty are often marginalised and forgotten.

This is the stark reality faced by our creative industry. Too often, I hear people say studying art is not as important as other fields. The other day on X, a former media personality said there are too many entertainment journalists in the country – just because he now has a cushy job at a bank. If only he knew everyone says the same about his own profession as a communication specialist.

All over the country, Namibians interact with art in their everyday lives. We listen to music on our car rides, admire beautiful murals on city walls and gather to watch films that reflect our own experiences and dreams.

However, art is not just an accessory to our lives. I believe it is a fundamental part of our identity. It tells our stories, preserves our heritage and speaks to our hopes and aspirations.

Despite this, our artists are left to battle it out for the meagre resources available, often leading to burnout, mental health issues and even substance abuse. It’s sad.

The importance of art to society cannot be overstated. It is a mirror reflecting our collective soul, through which we communicate our values. It has the power to challenge the status quo, inspire change and bring communities together.

On top of that, it is a vital component of national identity, a tool for global diplomacy and a way for us to promote Namibia on the world stage. Think of the power we could yield in the international community if we leveraged our art and history. Americans are only heroes because their movies have been telling us so for years. We know way too much about Abraham Lincoln and the US Declaration of Independence.

Countries like France and Italy are renowned for their cultural history, drawing millions of tourists each year who contribute to their economies.

Where are our fictionalised stories of Samuel Maharero or Hendrik Witbooi?

Namibia has the potential. We have so much underappreciated talent that is capable of producing internationally renowned art that can captivate audiences and attract foreign revenue.

I strongly believe the cultural capital of a nation is as valuable as its natural resources, and we cannot continue to expect artists to create masterpieces while living in poverty.

The government and everyday Namibians must wake up to the reality that for our creative industry to thrive, it needs substantial investment.

It also requires giving our artists the attention and respect they deserve. When we support our artists, we create a positive feedback loop: increased funding and visibility lead to higher quality art, which in turn attracts more attention and revenue. This cycle benefits everyone in Namibia.

However, this will forever be a pipe dream if we continue to ignore the plight of our artists.

Namibian artists have already proven their ability to create stunning works with minimal resources. Imagine what they could achieve if given the proper support?

I truly have a lot of faith in us and I think it’s all possible. I’m calling on our government to prioritise funding for the arts and to ensure that artists have the financial stability to focus on their work.

This means more grants, scholarships and funding opportunities specifically tailored for the creative sector, abeg.

There also needs to be a major effort from normal citizens to promote Namibian art both inside and outside the country.

Festivals, exhibitions and cultural exchanges can showcase our talent to the world and bring much-needed attention to our artists. There have been a few who’ve benefited from this.

I cannot write all this without acknowledging that there has been some good done. We have funding for local films, our visual artists often travel abroad for exhibitions, textile students have taken trips to learn more about their industry, and I myself have been a recipient of a Ministry of Information and Communication Technology bursary to study film.

I do think that more can be done.

We must change our attitudes towards art and artists, recognise their contributions to our society and support them in tangible ways. This can be as simple as attending local performances, buying more art from local creators and advocating for better support for the arts.

This way, we not only enrich our own lives but also help build a stronger, more vibrant cultural community.

Let us not wait until our artists are broken and lost to recognise their value. The time to act is now; it’s not too late.

– Anne Hambuda is a writer, social commentator and poet. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.