‘Embrace arts tourism’ – Govt
DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports, Hamis Mwinjuma, has called on the youth to actively engage in the arts as a means to promote cultural tourism and contribute to the country’s economic development.
Deputy Minister Mwinjuma made the comment at the climax of a drawing and painting competition themed “Beauty of Tanzania, My Pride” at the University of Dar es Salaam over the weekend.
Mwinjuma noted that art plays a vital role not only in cultural expression but also in fostering employment opportunities and strengthening Tanzania’s national identity.
The competition, which encouraged participants to create artworks reflecting Tanzania’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, was part of a broader initiative to showcase the artistic talents of young Tanzanians and raise the country’s profile on the global stage.
Mwinjuma highlighted that the government is committed to integrating art into the educational curriculum, ensuring that students from primary school to university are exposed to creative expression early on, with the potential to turn their artistic talents into viable career paths.
“Art is not just entertainment. It is a crucial driver of employment and economic independence for many young people. Through initiatives like this, we are not only nurturing artistic talent but also building a foundation for sustainable economic growth,” Mwinjuma said.
The Deputy Minister also underscored the significant role of art in fostering national pride and unity. He pointed to Vivo Energy’s on-going competition is also a campaign to promote the beauty of Tanzania as an example of how art can unite the nation and inspire patriotism.
Mwinjuma expressed his gratitude to Vivo Energy Tanzania and University of Dar es Salaam for their support of the competition, which has provided vital opportunities for students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to continue their education and develop their artistic skills.
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He also thanked the Ministry of Education, the Tourism Board and Swiss Embassy for their collaborative efforts in promoting the importance of the arts in Tanzania.
“The contributions from Vivo Energy are invaluable for students, especially those who struggle to afford their education,” Mwinjuma noted. “This partnership helps ensure that the arts remain accessible to all, regardless of background or age.”
The Deputy Minister encouraged future editions of the competition to engage more stakeholders early in the process to refine the event and make it even more impactful. He also suggested incorporating more local Bongo Flava music into future events to enhance the atmosphere and excitement.
He reiterated that the government recognises the transformative power of art, not just for its cultural significance, but also as a key driver of national development. By promoting Tanzanian art and culture, he said, the country can not only boost its tourism industry but also empower its youth and create new opportunities for economic growth.
