Arts and Culture Policy 2018 – 2027

Main Objective

The Arts and Culture Policy of The Gambia (2018–2027) seeks to ensure the sustainable management and development of the country's arts and cultural heritage. It aims to preserve and utilize these resources as tools for socio-economic development, national cohesion, and the promotion of Gambian identity and values.

Specific Objectives

1. Community Involvement: Empower and involve communities in the sustainable management and use of cultural heritage.

2. Capacity Building: Strengthen the capacity of stakeholders, including creators, custodians, and managers, through training and resource provision.

3. Heritage Protection: Ensure the conservation, documentation, and promotion of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

4. Economic Development: Use cultural heritage as a vehicle for poverty alleviation and employment generation, fostering inclusive economic growth.

5. Cultural Research: Promote research and documentation of Gambian arts and cultural heritage to enhance understanding and education.

6. National Unity and Peace: Utilize arts and heritage as tools to build national unity, promote peace, and foster positive change.

7. Creativity and Innovation: Support creativity in both traditional and modern forms of the arts, encouraging the development of new technologies and artistic expressions.

SUMMARY

The Arts and Culture Policy of The Gambia (2018–2027) provides a comprehensive framework for the management, promotion, and sustainable use of Gambian cultural heritage. The policy emphasizes community participation, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement to achieve its goals. It recognizes the rich cultural diversity of The Gambia and aims to preserve this heritage while integrating it into socio-economic development strategies.

Key strategies include:

• Revitalizing the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to effectively coordinate the arts and culture sector.

• Establishing legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard cultural resources.

• Promoting partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities for resource conservation and economic utilization.

• Building infrastructure, such as museums and arts complexes, to support cultural preservation and education.

• Encouraging creativity and promoting Gambian cultural expressions locally and internationally.

The policy envisions a future where arts and culture play a central role in national development, fostering unity, pride, and economic prosperity for all Gambians.