Who We Are
The Department of Arts was established in 2017 following a functional review of the now defunct Department of Culture. The Department is made up of the Arts and Crafts Division and the Censorship Division. The Department was formed in response to a growing recognition of arts and culture as a vital part of Malawi’s national identity, economic development, and social cohesion. Its creation was driven by both national and regional goals to support the creative industries, recognizing that a thriving arts and culture sector contributes significantly to social unity, tourism and economic growth. The Department of Arts operates with the following Mandate, Vision, Mission and Core Values.
Mandate
To coordinate, preserve, develop, promote and regulate Malawi’s creative industries.
A vibrant and competitive creative industries in southern Africa.
Mission
To preserve, develop and promote Malawi’s creative industry through collection and showcasing of the arts; and regulate public entertainment and facilities used for public entertainment through enforcement, public education and research.
Functions
- The preservation, development and presentation of the arts;
- The organisation of arts performances and exhibitions;
- The provision of technical advice and support to artists;
- The promotion of arts;
- The regulation of arts;
- The coordination of research on arts.
Core Values
The core values or guiding principles for the Department are as follows:
Professionalism
The Department shall discharge its duties using highly qualified, competent and skilled staff and ensure that services are provided impartially.
Integrity
The Ministry shall exhibit the highest ethical and authentic standards in the performance of duties.
Transparency and Accountability
The Department shall ensure that its members of staff are open and accountable in the utilization of public and other development partners’ resources.
Patriotism
The Department will encourage and instill a sense of love for the country and what it stands for in the implementation of its programmes.
Team Work
The Department shall encourage members of staff to work harmoniously towards a common goal.
Collaboration and Networking
The Department shall work with other stakeholders in a coordinated manner.
Goal Oriented
The Department shall ensure that the provision of its services achieves intended results.
Creativity and Innovation
The Ministry shall nurture the potential of its staff to conceive new ideas that address contemporary challenges.