Implementation of 2-year-old National Music Policy delayed by lack of funds

January 25, 2024 4:11 am | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Sabrina Tabi.

Stakeholders, musicians, and local artists in Vanuatu are expressing growing concerns over the apparent inaction of the Department of Industry (DoI), under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Industry, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business (MTTCNVB) in implementing the Vanuatu National Music Policy, which was officially launched two years ago.

The policy, designed to formally recognise and bolster the music industry, safeguard traditional music, foster contemporary music, and integrate both into Vanuatu’s national music identity, has yet to see tangible progress since its introduction in 2022.

Local artists, despite the policy’s existence, feel neglected and insist on seeing concrete actions. One artist, who chose to remain anonymous, emphasised, “What we want to see is action”.

Damian Mobbs, Director of Konnect Limited and one of the policy’s creators, lamented the lack of visible progress.

He emphasised the importance of engaging with industry professionals and expressed a willingness to collaborate with the government to move the policy forward.

Mobbs asserted that the music industry significantly contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it imperative for the government to offer support.

He urged officials to communicate challenges in policy implementation so that stakeholders can assist.

Stanleyson Antas, a renowned reggae artist involved in crafting the policy, revealed its comprehensive four-year action plan spanning from 2022 to 2026.

Voicing disappointment at the lack of progress, Antas attributed the delay to political instability faced by the country in the previous year.

Antas acknowledged the need for patience but hoped for visible progress in the coming year.

He urged the government to prioritise the policy, emphasising its potential to elevate Vanuatu’s music industry on a global scale.

The Vanuatu Daily Post spoke with other artists who wished to remain anonymous, echoing the sentiment that policy implementation would safeguard artists and their work, potentially providing a source of income.

Another artist said the policy is crucial for garnering respect for the music industry within Vanuatu’s culture.

The artists expressed disappointment at the delays, highlighting the missed opportunity for positive change.

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Vanuatu Daily Post, Lazarus Aising, Manager of Investment Manufacturing Standards and Creative Industries, cited a lack of government funds as a major hindrance to policy implementation.

However, he disclosed a recent VT6 million funding from the New Zealand government for the policy’s three-year implementation period from 2024 to 2026.

Aising outlined plans to utilise the funds to address the policy’s first goal: Governance and Structure. This includes creating an Act for the Music Industry. He assured that consultations on this Act would take place in the first quarter of the year.

Aising also revealed ongoing negotiations with educational institutions to incorporate music into their curricula, aligning with the policy’s goal of building professional capacity in the music industry.

Despite setbacks, Aising remains optimistic about increased financial support from the government this year for successful policy implementation.