In our previous article, we explored the benefits of the recently passed NaHec Bill and its benefits to the Malawian Arts Industry. While the NaHec Bill promises significant improvements for Malawi’s arts industry, there are still several unclear areas that need to be addressed for us to help it reach its fullest potential.
Here, we look at some of the key challenges such as funding, oversight, and enforcement, and suggest possible solutions to ensure the bill is successfully put into action.
Funding Mechanisms:
One of the most crucial grey areas in the bill is the source of funding for NaHec’s initiatives. While the bill may outline roles and responsibilities, the actual implementation of projects such as artist grants or infrastructure development depends on available funding. Without clear financial commitments from the government or partnerships with the private sector, NaHec could struggle to achieve its ambitious goals.
This could be addressed by creating a dedicated Arts Fund, supported through a mixture of public funds, international donations, and corporate sponsorship. We see this working well in other countries where creatives can access various forms of grants and funds which allow them to improve the process and quality of their art (music, visuals, photography, animators etc). We imagine the positive results in the overall consumption of Malawian music and art, both locally and globally, on the local economy and job creation.
Thinking of artists as businesses and providing capital to them means that we will start to see more acceptance of new roles and jobs in the creative industry, as we are now seeing elsewhere with content creators.
Oversight and Transparency:
Another potential grey area is the transparency of NaHec’s operations. To avoid corruption and mismanagement, the bill should include provisions for external audits and open reporting on how funds are allocated.
Ensuring that artists are involved in the decision-making process will be key to maintaining trust and legitimacy in the council’s activities.
Enforcement of Standards:
While the bill will formalise many aspects of the arts industry, enforcement mechanisms are not fully clear. How will NaHec ensure that contracts are respected, or that fair wages are paid? For the bill to be effective, there must be clear legal repercussions for entities that fail to adhere to NaHec’s regulations. This could involve establishing a partnership with the judiciary to resolve disputes or creating a specialised tribunal for arts-related cases.
Impact on Event Organization and Artist Revenue
By introducing new regulations for event organisers, the NaHec Bill promises better working conditions, transparency, and more reliable payments for artists.
Let’s look how these changes could reshape how events are run and how artists are compensated:
Event Organisation:
The passage of the NaHec Bill will likely result in more regulated and standardised event practices. Event organisers will need to adhere to new guidelines set by NaHec, including the fair treatment of performers and crew. This could result in better working conditions, guaranteed payments, and transparent financial operations.
Furthermore, NaHec could introduce licensing systems for event organisers, ensuring that only qualified and ethical entities operate in the sector.
Artist Payments:
Artist payments from live performances are expected to become more structured and reliable. With NaHec acting as an oversight body, artists could expect timely payments based on clear contract terms. Additionally, there may be a move toward standardising performance fees, ensuring that artists are compensated fairly based on their experience and market value. This would address the prevalent issue of underpayment or no payment after performances.
Revenue from Digital Platforms:
The NaHec Bill’s potential impact on social media monetization is an exciting possibility. As artists in Malawi increasingly turn to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to promote their work, NaHec could serve as a liaison with international digital platforms, pushing for better revenue-sharing models for Malawian artists.
Additionally, the bill’s focus on supporting artists financially and through training could help creatives better understand how to optimise their content for monetization.
Expected Timeframe for Results
After the bill is passed, immediate results will likely be seen in terms of contract standardisation and dispute resolution mechanisms. However, significant structural changes, such as improved event practices and new revenue streams for artists, could take anywhere between two to five years to materialise, depending on the speed of NaHec’s establishment and the level of governmental and private sector support. The success of the bill also hinges on whether it is adequately funded and if the appropriate enforcement mechanisms are implemented.
The NaHec Bill has the potential to transform Malawi’s arts and heritage sector by formalising it, ensuring fair compensation for artists, and supporting cultural preservation. However, several grey areas, particularly concerning funding and enforcement, need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness.
If successfully implemented, the bill could have far-reaching effects on how artists are paid, how events are conducted, and even Malawi’s position in global digital content markets. While the benefits may take time to materialise, the NaHec Bill represents a significant step forward for Malawi’s creative industries.
What's Your Reaction?
