Copyright Fund disburses K75 million to first successful grantees

Malawi: The Copyright Fund, which is part of the Copyright Society of Malawi and whose mission is to promote and protect artistic work, announced the names of successful candidates who applied for Copyright Fund grants on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at an event attended by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Culture, Michael Usi, writes Sapulain Chitonde Lee.

Speaking to members of the press in Lilongwe, Christopher Magomelo, Chairperson of the Copyright Fund Committee, said that out of 110 applicants, 12 were successful and were awarded grants in varying amounts based on their areas of interest and budget.

"It is all about the targeted area and the catchment area. Others are national projects, while others are regional projects, which explains the distinction,” Magomelo explained.

In his remarks, Blessings Botha, the Copyright Fund Manager, thanked everyone who applied for the grants and congratulated the winners, while also looking forward to working with everyone who was successful and those who will apply in the next phase.

Sunrise Publications, Tumbuka Heritage, Mulhankho Wa Alomwe, Eka Language Services, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Lucky Chikopa, Music Crossroads, Film Association of Malawi, Story Club, Kuwala Creatives, Young Women Rise, and Karonga Debate Club were among the successful applicants for the first Call.

Due to budget exaggeration, almost all successful applicants are being awarded less than what they applied for.

The highest winner received 9.6 million Kwacha, while the lowest received 2.9 million.

The successful applicants will carry out projects in the categories of publishing, heritage preservation, performing arts, visual arts, and cross-cutting, and will receive funding in January 2023.