Plans are underway for the creation of Zambia’s first-ever National Arts Centre, a groundbreaking development that will provide a dedicated space for the country’s burgeoning arts sector. The Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts, is set to unveil the land for the facility on November 29, 2024. Details of the location are being kept under wraps, but it is reported that the land will be in a prime area of Lusaka.
In an interview on Friday, Ministry Permanent Secretary, Fumba Chama, emphasized the significance of the National Arts Centre as a hub for excellence in Zambian arts. “The idea is to create a centre of excellence that will host all disciplines of the arts. We want to ensure that both emerging and established artists have a place to showcase their talents,” Chama said.
The proposed centre aims to be a versatile space where various forms of art, including theatre, cinema, and visual arts, will thrive. One of the key components of the project is the establishment of a cinema, offering Zambian filmmakers an affordable venue to premiere their films, eliminating the financial burdens of expensive theatre bookings.
“Bigger than the Lusaka Playhouse”
According to Chama, the National Arts Centre is designed to be larger and more comprehensive than the iconic Lusaka Playhouse, which has served as a cultural venue since its opening in 1958. The Playhouse has long been a focal point for the arts community, but calls have increased for better funding and more facilities to support Zambia’s growing artistic talent.
The new arts centre will include a variety of spaces, such as a modern theatre, a cinema, an exhibition hall, and an audio-visual studio, providing comprehensive support for the creative industries. “We envision partnerships that will help us realize this dream and deliver this facility as soon as possible,” Chama added.
The announcement of the National Arts Centre comes after the Lusaka Playhouse garnered attention in 2022 when plans were proposed to construct a filling station on its grounds. The idea was met with strong opposition from artists, leading to its eventual cancellation. This new arts centre aims to address such concerns by providing a sustainable, well-funded space dedicated to the arts.
With the land unveiling on November 29 and the promise of a multi-disciplinary creative hub, Zambia is poised to take a significant step toward fostering its arts and culture sector for years to come.
