Realizing the important role that artists play in disseminating information using their talents, Sustainable Rural Growth and Development Initiative (SRGDI) has introduced an art challenge.
Dubbed ‘Misuku Art Challenge’, this is a national competition that is expected to bring together 12 artists— photographers, filmmakers and visual artists— in the country to showcase the beauty and ecological, cultural, aesthetical and economic value of Misuku Hills Forest Reserves.
Misuku Hills Forest Reserve is located in Chitipa District in the Northern Region.
SRGDI Executive Director, Maynard Nyirenda, said on Thursday that they value art and its contribution to the development of the country, hence the decision to engage artists through the competition.
“This area is very remote and isolated from major towns and cities in the country. It is little known and yet it is very rich [in cultural artefacts] on top of being a tourist attraction area,” Nyirenda said.
He said most Malawians are not aware of unique beauty and ecological, cultural, aesthetical and economic value of Misuku Hills Forest Reserves and its unique biodiversity.
Nyirenda said that Misuku Hills’ potential in tourism is huge and yet the area receives less than 100 local and international tourists a year.
“Little is being done to raise awareness and market Misuku Hills and there are just a few photos on websites. And very few companies and government departments have shown interest in investing in it,” Nyirenda said.
He said he was optimistic that, through the competition, artists will come out with the best stories and that, apart from playing a crucial role in environmental fight, the contest will also give artists a platform to showcase their work.
The deadline for receiving entries in the competition is this coming Friday and, according to Nyirenda, artists have started applying since the organisation advertised in the newspapers.
He added that a smaller competition will also be conducted for school children in schools surrounding Misuku Hills.
The competition is being driven by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.
Nyirenda said SRGDI with support from arts associations will scrutinise the applications and select the top 12 finalists.
Leave a Reply