Thapong Visual Arts Centre and FNBB Foundation have launched an online store for Botswana visual artists called Botswana Arts Online. The online platform is set to empower local artists by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their talents locally, regionally, and internationally.
During the opening ceremony, Mesh Moeti, Acting Chairman of Thapong Visual Arts Centre, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its significance for artists in rural areas seeking marketing opportunities. He concluded with a call to action for female artists, noting the industry’s gender disparity, with a higher number of male participants.
For his part, Abram Kesupile, Board Chairperson of NACB, reinforced the Government’s commitment to the creative industry through the establishment of the National Arts Council of Botswana.
He further highlighted the NACB mandate to create a framework for the development and coordination of the creative industry, positioning the Council as a transformative leader in the arts industry.
Giving her keynote address, Her Excellency Neo Jane Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, commended the establishment of the Botswana Art Online platform as a way of propelling the Arts industry forward. She also urged and challenged the private sector in Botswana to support the creative sector to grow and develop artists so that they can tell and share Botswana’s stories, heritage and culture with the world.
FNBB Foundation’s sponsorship to Thapong Visual Arts Centre is valued at P2.5million and will include development of the online store as well as nationwide capacity building workshops to ensure artists in all regions of the country are prepared and technically ready to take advantage of the groundbreaking online store, Botswana Arts Online.
