The Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has launched a week-long Arts Boot Camp aimed at nurturing creative talent among young people across Malawi.
The initiative, fully supported by the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), has brought together 35 participants, including secondary school students and out-of-school youth from different parts of the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, MUST Vice Chancellor Associate Professor Mwapatsa Mipando said the programme could contribute to reducing unemployment by helping young people turn their artistic talents into businesses and sustainable sources of income.
Veteran producer and founder of Nsima Soundworks, Tapiwa “Tapps” Bandawe, said the partnership will also focus on preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage.
He explained that traditional sounds will be digitalised and stored on a dedicated website, making them accessible to future generations.
Eleven-year-old Malwisa Shawa, the youngest participant, welcomed the initiative, saying the camp would help sharpen his drawing skills.
Participants will receive training in areas including graphic design, music, drawing and herbal medicine.
The camp, which runs until 22 August, also featured the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding with Nzeka Arts, Story Workshop and Nsima Soundworks, strengthening collaboration between the institutions in promoting creativity, culture and the creative economy in Malawi.
