Ouagadougou: The Minister in charge of Culture, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has announced that the preliminary draft law concerning the status of artists in Burkina Faso is set to be reviewed by the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) in the coming weeks. This legislation aims to alleviate the precarious conditions faced by artists in the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo expressed confidence that the law will be adopted soon, emphasizing that its enactment is essential for establishing a professional, economic, and social environment conducive to the welfare of artists. The minister highlighted the ongoing process over the past several months to bring this law into effect, underscoring its potential to significantly improve artists’ living and working conditions.
Minister Ouédraogo elaborated that, once the bill is approved by the deputies, it will enable artists in Burkina Faso to earn a decent income from their art. He pointed out the necessity of creatin
g conditions that would eradicate the poverty and lack of career planning and social security that many artists currently endure.
Furthermore, the minister stressed that the responsibility of supporting artists extends beyond the State to include the artists themselves, who must organize effectively. He emphasized the importance of artists’ commitment and better organization in achieving these goals.
The preliminary draft of the artist’s status was initially adopted by the Council of Ministers during its ordinary session on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Minister Ouédraogo’s remarks were made on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the Ouagadougou Wékré contemporary arts market, held at the Bangréwéogo site. This event, running from November 18 to 24, 2024, features participation from over fifty visual artists from Burkina Faso and the West African sub-region.