Little things matter
I had a very good interview this week which brought to the fore the many creative ways we can all help the entertainment industry to prosper. Many times when we see or hear of people who are in need of sponsorships, we tend to think it's strictly money they are looking for. But that's not quite it. There are a lot of ways one can sponsor without spending a single cent on the event or the person. Arts industries all over the world help contribute to the GDP of countries yet in Namibia we have this preconceived idea that it is a waste of time and no money can ever come out to sustain one's family and themselves. It truly begins with us and we have to show the elders that arts can be a career - just like nursing or teaching.
The government, for one, is the best institution to help with this but they think people either only want money or the positions are filled by people who have no clue of what they are doing. Instead of shutting out the next artist who comes to you for help out because you don't have money, use the power of your office and its name. A simple press statement or internal invitation to the event to the staff can be considered as sponsorship. This is because you never know how many people from your office will attend the event and how many will like the show. The majority of the ministry social media platforms are sponsored and just by sharing the poster of the event on your timeline will help the event. These ministries, most especially the information and arts and culture ministries, have equipment that can be used to help film and document these productions. For the public sector, one can sponsor their offices, restaurants or cars to the creatives and allow them to use them. It's the little things that go a long way. For artists - start attending and promoting each other's work. You never know who of your fans will enjoy what. They say a candle does not lose its brightness by lighting another. Buy a ticket or two even if you won't attend.
I believe if the industry comes to a standstill because the government and private sector are not investing while everyone can do a little, then we are missing something.
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
The government, for one, is the best institution to help with this but they think people either only want money or the positions are filled by people who have no clue of what they are doing. Instead of shutting out the next artist who comes to you for help out because you don't have money, use the power of your office and its name. A simple press statement or internal invitation to the event to the staff can be considered as sponsorship. This is because you never know how many people from your office will attend the event and how many will like the show. The majority of the ministry social media platforms are sponsored and just by sharing the poster of the event on your timeline will help the event. These ministries, most especially the information and arts and culture ministries, have equipment that can be used to help film and document these productions. For the public sector, one can sponsor their offices, restaurants or cars to the creatives and allow them to use them. It's the little things that go a long way. For artists - start attending and promoting each other's work. You never know who of your fans will enjoy what. They say a candle does not lose its brightness by lighting another. Buy a ticket or two even if you won't attend.
I believe if the industry comes to a standstill because the government and private sector are not investing while everyone can do a little, then we are missing something.
June Shimuoshili
[email protected]
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