Mombasa,KENYA: Creative art work is a rising talent and source of income for many people in the country.
Art is a means of conveying information from a different angle which is more appealing to the audience and lovers of art work.
Information varies from social life to politics and real life criticism.
Art work is continuing to gain recognition worldwide as people get more understanding of art.
Through regular exhibition and selling of art work, art has become an interest to tourists hence contributing to foreign income.
Challenges facing art
According to artist Musa Mwakelemu of Oyah Art Studio the main challenges facing art work is acquiring materials and acceptance by society since many don’t take art as a reliable source of livelihood.
Selling of content posses as a challenge too since it can take a long time to sell. While a small portrait can be going for as more as sh 50, 000, selling of the portrait calls for patience. Survival in the art world solely relies on passion, drive and talent.
“Art is all about making the bold decision and passion since there are challenges when starting off but with a bold decision you get help on the way,” observers Mwakelemu.
Role of government in art industry
Government is playing roles in promoting art through national exhibition.
Artists still feel the government could do more in the industry to promote their work. Artist Musa Mwakelemu, who foresees art as a big deal in the coming years personally feels the government, could promote art work by providing grants to artists and funding public art programmes to bring exposure and create awareness in the society.
Mwakelemu insists that through the parliament, government can pass a law that every building should have art work that’s at least 5% of the total value of the building while still allowing artistes to do murals in public spaces
Art in coming years..
Art is a promising business venture in the coming years for talented artists as the public is getting to understand and appreciate art unlike before where the public viewed art as a western culture, a reserve for the whites. “Art will create many job opportunities in years to come in the creative industry since not everyone is cut out to work in the professional field,” foresee Mwakelemu.
