Thuto Bless Tapiso was the joyful winner of the P100, 000 prize money, having emerged victorious in the National Arts Council of Botswana (NACB) logo design competition.
The logo reveal was done during the official NACB launch which was graced by President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi at the National Museum in Gaborone.
“The National Arts Council has been long coming and I cannot put into words how excited I am to be here to launch it, said President Masisi who is exalted for his commitment in promoting the creative industry’s growth.
He further urged the Council to create spaces and platforms for the promotion of free artistic expression. “Through this expression comes new businesses, influence, visibility and recognition of our creatives which guarantees growth,” he said.
Most importantly, the President urged the Council Board to work tirelessly to ensure the livelihood of creatives.
NACB is a Parastatal established by an Act of Parliament, the National Arts Council of Botswana Act No 10 of 2020; mandated to transform the local creative and cultural sector by nurturing creative excellence and preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions with the ultimate goal of building an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous sector with equal opportunities for all.
“NACB is responsible for unlocking value creation for the creative industry, coordinating and regulating the arts and culture sector, encouraging commercialization of arts and culture, and driving aspiration for prosperity for all,” informed Board Chairperson Brian Dithebe.
The Board CEO Shombi Ellis, made it known that the Council, which was borne from a cry to see transformation in the creative industry is now fully functional with it’s Board and Executive Committee ready to serve.
With the closing remarks was Minister of Youth Gender Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, who made a promise that his Ministry would work to ensure delivery from the Council .
The logo competition winner Thuto Tapiso, beat over 200 other competition entrants with his logo which bears a font inspired by the Setswana Kgotla, a platform for productive and purposeful deliberations.
