National Arts Council (NAC) says Artists from various parts of the country have started applying for the recently launched K30 million Youth Empowerment Scheme targeting Artistes.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, NAC Chairperson Patrick Samwimbila said there has been overwhelming response from artists wishing to benefit from the empowerment scheme.
Mr. Samwimbila stated that although NAC does not have the total number of applicants so far, information the council has received from different districts is that applications have started coming in.
“They have started applying and the response is overwhelming. Being a countrywide program, we have not yet done any stocking up but what we have gotten from the districts is that the applications have started coming,” Mr. Samwimbila said.
He disclosed that the closing date for applications is 14th September, 2020 and thereafter the selection process will commence which will run up to 29th September.
Mr. Samwimbila added that disbursement of the funds will be done on 30th September where all successful applicants will be given their money at once.
“The closing date for applications is 14th September, 2020 and then the disbursement will be done at once. From 14th to 29th September it will be the selection period and then on 30th September, we intend to hold one event where all successful applicants will be given their cheques,” he stated.
On 12th August 2020, Government launched the Presidential Choral and Arts Festival and the K30 million Youth Empowerment Scheme targeting Artists.
The empowerment scheme is a government stimulus package for arts businesses to cushion the devastating effects of Covid-19 and stimulate the creation of employment opportunities for the youth.