Maravi

(HERALD) Making visual arts a fulfilling profession in Zim

Making visual arts a fulfilling profession in Zim
Friday, 30 September 2011 02:00

The recent utterances from the Arts Council and Culture Fund Committees to "Professionalise the Arts" are a welcome realisation for most practising artists and administrators.

Perhaps this recent clarion call from these quarters to professionalise the visual arts are a response to my previous instalments of Art Zone in which I was constantly alluding to this.

However, are our erstwhile Arts Council and Culture Fund administrators, clerks and cultural do gooders qualified and "offay" with the visual arts practice, laws, administration and channels of business? Or is this just another clamouring to raise money for salaries, overhead "expenses", fancy cars and shopping allowances for themselves and the staff and spouses? One hopes not, but we have seen and heard these bursts of inspiration from the Nama Awards, which are now, all but futile, to purveying funeral insurance policies. Is this not out off the Arts Council's jurisdiction?

What do the professional artists really benefit from joining these two organisations other than a pretentious burial ceremony in a golden burial casket when the artist is dead? What have these two organisations done for them during their lifetime? Would that "funeral money" not be put to better use when visual artists, actors, musicians and the like are alive, and in need? Would that money not be better spent in education, to procure artist's equipment, workshops and academic scholarships travel fares, books and publications, exhibition and performance loans, conferences, royalties for art scholars, public speakers and writers and legal representation.

Another anomaly in the profession of the visual arts is the continuous haggling about artists paying taxes. World laws in the field of the visual arts stipulates and declare that " . . . the creation and purchase of visual art is tax exempt and tax deductable . . . " Supplemented by government, city/state municipalities, banks, business corporations and philanthropy. Zimbabwe is a signatory to a United Nations Declaration stating this fact.

I cannot speak or pontificate on behalf of the other art forms such as the actors, performing artistes and musicians, but certainly, the visual arts should be totally tax exempt, including all VAT, customs duties and shipping tax. Visual art is also considered an educational and cultural product. So what exactly do they mean , when they say they "want to professionalise the arts'"? are the arts not a profession? As a world recognised authority in the visual arts, a member and affiliate of a number of professional visual arts bodies, associations and federations, I will proffer a synopsis of what is required to professionalise the visual arts in Zimbabwe. As always, it begins with education, education and more education.

What I learnt about the visual arts profession after years of studying and several university degrees, was that the world of the "Artist as entrepreneur" was not an easy one. I was cheated, robbed, duped and used. I had dealings with bogus "art promoters" who on the exterior looked well presented and respectable, but cost me spiritually, emotionally and financially. I was constantly burnt out and unproductive. Administration was hectic and it interfered with artistic inspiration - it still does. However, I combined art practice with business administration.

My studies as an intern financial manager of a community arts initiative in Cape Town, South Africa, and as an understudy Youth Development Administrator in inner-city Washington, DC, New York and San Francisco opened my mind and eyes to the realities of "Professionalising the Arts".
I supervised projects, and learned about correct management and various government policies on Arts funding.

I was privileged to work and mix with various professionals and experts in the arts world; Financial managers, copyright, media, property and estate lawyers. Banking and labour consultants, arts academia, sociologists, medical advisors, public relations consultants, art auctioneers, art insurance brokers, art freight consultants, brand psychologists and image consultants, etc, etc.
It is from this vast and varied background that I would like to illuminate an effective way to "professionalise the arts in Zimbabwe". Taking into cognisance the fact that true business success in the arts is holistic and requires a whole person, not simply parts that make money for art's funding entities, but for the artist and the country.

It is pertinent to consult experts in their various fields in tandem with contributions and comments from the creators of the works - the artists.
What is so true of the visual arts profession is that it is a complete vocation filled with personal sacrifices, but great rewards if administered professionally. Art is not an industry - it is a professional vocation.
Comments and contributions are welcome.

* Dr Tony Monda, holds a PhD in Arts Theory and Philosophy and a DBA (Doctorate in Business Administration) of Post-Colonial Heritage Studies. He is a practising artist, critic, designer and a Corporate Image Consultant.

Labels: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT

posted by MrK @ 5:26 PM