Director of the Arts at Kamuzu Academy and Founder of Zaluso Arts, McPherson Ndalama, has expressed his excitement about the positive developments in the country's art business.

In an interview Ndalama shared that the current trend indicates an increasing ability for visual artists to successfully sell their artworks, signifying a growing demand in the market.

“I can proudly say that our art industry is now taking shape. Few years back it was not easy for artists in the country to make enough proceeds due to lack of platforms to showcase their talent and low demand of artworks which is now different,” said Ndalama.

Ndalama showcasing the artwork he made

Ndalama attributed part of the success seen to recent art promotion events that are happening mostly in the country cities, citing the re-invented biannual three day Art in the Park Festival which takes place every May and November at Four Seasons in Lilongwe where different artists go and exhibit their works.

He contrasted this with the previous scenario where art creation was primarily for educational purposes rather than commercial viability.

"My department at Kamuzu Academy is one of the beneficiaries of Art in the Park, since we partnered them we have made a huge progress in our sales unlike before where we were just making the art for the sake of the students to learn," added Ndalama

Angel Mangwazu, an art student at Kamuzu Academy, said she contemplates taking art as a career.

Ndalama and his students posing in front of their art exhibition

“I love art because it gives me joy and I feel encouraged when I see artists who have made it. I consider pursuing it as a career,” Mangwazu said.