CABINET NOTES: Cabinet next centered its discussion on the proposed New Governance Structure for Festivals Commission and Ministry of Creative Industries
Cabinet invited senior officials from the Ministry of Creative Industries, representatives of the Festivals Commission, and Treasury officials to a special session to deliberate on a new operational and governance construct for the Festivals Commission and the Ministry.
The meeting formed part of Government’s broader strategy to strengthen the management, transparency, and professional execution of national cultural events while advancing the development of the creative industries as a viable economic sector.
Under the proposed framework, the Festivals Commission will assume primary responsibility for the planning and execution of the country’s major national productions and flagship cultural events.
The Ministry of Creative Industries will retain responsibility for the administrative management and coordination of smaller and routine cultural activities, including national observances and community-based events.
This separation of roles is intended to improve efficiency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure that large-scale productions receive the level of technical and professional oversight required.
Cabinet was advised that the restructuring is also aimed at addressing longstanding concerns related to reporting, financial accountability, and procurement practices.
Officials emphasized the importance of strengthened financial controls, improved documentation, and more transparent engagement with service providers to prevent budget overruns.
Enhanced reporting mechanisms are expected to provide clearer oversight for both the Ministry and the Commission moving forward.
The discussion also highlighted Government’s continued investment in the creative and cultural sectors, including significant capital works to modernize performance and training facilities.
These investments are intended to elevate the standard of local productions, improve talent development, and create exportable cultural products capable of generating foreign exchange and employment opportunities.
A key pillar of the new construct will be training and professional development within the creative arts.
The Festivals Commission is expected to play an expanded role in nurturing local talent, improving technical and managerial skills within the sector, and facilitating opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners to access regional and international markets.
Cabinet further noted the importance of strengthening partnerships between the cultural sector and the tourism industry, including the packaging of cultural experiences for visitors and hotels.
This approach is expected to enhance the visitor experience while increasing economic participation for local entertainers, vendors, and service providers.
The new structure is designed to ensure that the nation’s festivals and creative outputs are managed in a holistic, transparent, and sustainable manner, positioning the sector as a meaningful contributor to national development.