Theatre and other forms of art have been creating jobs in counties and the government has been urged to extend more support to them by constructing more playhouses.
Joseph Maina alias ‘Babushe’ a renowned thespian said there is a need to focus on the value of art in creating employment, adding that a number of youths were earning revenue from making beads, drawing, designing clothes and acting in plays.
He said the Nakuru Artists Network has registered more than 1,000 artists in less than a year. He was speaking during a meeting with the Network members at the Nakuru Players’ theatre Friday.
Maina said currently their artwork was targeting peaceful elections in the country and their messages were being taken seriously considering the high attendance whenever they stage their plays.
However, he said there are challenges that the art and theatre sectors have faced in efforts to make them become income earners for the many talented youths who are still unattached to any group.
He added that their setbacks include lack of good facilities for staging performances and discouraging people who still view art as a form of pastime and not a possible full-time income generating occupation.
“There is a need to appreciate talents so that the potential artists can come up and exploit the income opportunities in the field of theatre, visual arts and film,’’ said Maina, who has always earned income from theatre and film.
Also, he said the county has great creative talents and untapped artists that unfortunately have not been harnessed due to limited cultural centres and artists’ cathedrals and archives, for the profession to find its niche in the region and create more jobs.
