Embu Deputy Governor: We will link artists to international markets




Artists in Embu County whose products stand out in creatively depicting the county’s culture will be linked to international market.
Deputy Governor David Kariuki told art exhibitors that the county government will increase budgetary allocation next year so as to support those who make a living through art.
More 600 exhibitors participated in a County Expo to showcase various cultural artefacts, in an event aimed at marketing the county’s culture and talent.
The event that attracted participants both the young and the aged as individuals and groups was held at the various constituency headquarters of Manyatta, Runyenjes, Mbeere North and Mbeere South.
Some of the products exhibited showcased various cultures such as pottery, sculpture, carving, weaving, knitting, cooking and poetry and attracted buyers from across the country.
While acknowledging that the county has unique cultures, the Deputy Governor said they were in a brink of extinction if youths continue embracing western cultures.
He urged the elderly to pass knowledge of the county cultures to the new generation for the sake of continuity.
“We need to come up with programmes to strengthen our local culture so that it doesn’t become extinct. Most of our youths understand little or nothing about local foods, dressing, weaving, carving and pottery. This needs to be addressed,” he said.
Culture Executive member Joan Mwende said the department had established markets both locally and internationally to market for the products.
She said if such economic activities are harnessed, they would empower and uplift the living standards of many people.
She also called on the youth to embrace Vocational and Training Centres where they can be able to learn such skills to enable them come up with unique products that can attract the market.
The exhibitors welcomed the expo saying it exposed them to markets and learning on various forms of art that would enable them to come up with highly marketable cultural products.
They called on the county government to come up with various programmes that can enable them to learn more about the county cultures.
“The county government should scrap the fee that they charge on some of us when we are doing our businesses because this killing our potential,” said John Makumi, a sculptor.

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