Ministry of Tourism and Arts says it has deliberately focused on strengthening the business of artists to ensure improved competitiveness and sustainability to national development.

Speaking during the Artists sensitization meeting for the artists social investment initiative, Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela said Zambian Artists continue to struggle to access certain critical services due to their largely informal setup of their work.

“Artists have not been served by various insurance companies or financial service providers.” He said.

Mr Chitotela said this has discouraged many local artists from seriously taking up art as a profession.

“It is important for the sector to have certain basic services provided to the artists.” He said.

He further noted that both economic and Human right fundamentals require basic access to finance and a welfare system that will ensure artists future is guaranteed.