The arts industry has, since its inception, belonged to practitioners. It was built by creatives who dedicate their lives to music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature and cultural preservation. Today, however, there are concerns that opportunists are entering the sector for personal gain rather than development.
It is concerning that some individuals manipulate arts opportunities for selfish benefit. Every year, government agencies and institutions advertise funding intended to empower artists and support community development. Applications are submitted and funds are approved, yet the public rarely sees these projects implemented. At the same time, active practitioners who work tirelessly to sustain the industry continue to be overlooked.
The reality is that many deserving artists remain excluded, while others use the arts sector to access funding without producing meaningful programmes or visible impact. This undermines the sector, damages public trust and discourages genuine creatives who rely on the industry for survival.
The arts sector must not become a platform for exploitation. Funding meant for development should benefit practitioners on the ground, not individuals pursuing personal enrichment. Accountability and transparency are essential if the sector is to regain credibility and fulfil its purpose of empowering communities and preserving culture.
As practitioners, there is a need to strongly condemn the misuse of arts resources. Artists must unite to protect the integrity of the sector and ensure that opportunities reach deserving creatives who are actively contributing to its growth. The future of the arts depends on fairness, visibility and genuine empowerment for practitioners.