ISLAMABAD: Artists from the twin cities are once again pinning their hopes on political parties to take measures for their welfare after assuming power, despite little emphasis on artists’ welfare in party manifestos.

Although the previous government took some initiatives in this regard, including formulating a new cultural policy, forming a committee for artists’ welfare and establishing an endowment fund for their benefit, nothing concrete was carried out at the implementation level.

Many artists from the entertainment industry have died over the last few years following prolonged illnesses because they could not afford medical treatment and received little attention from the concerned authorities.

Artists call for recognition, patronage from next govt

Rawalpindi-based musician Salman Adil said many art forms are still considered a source of fun and are not recognised as proper fields.

Speaking to APP, he said artists spend day and night entertaining audiences without any patronage from the government. Those who contribute in other fields receive medical coverage, insurance, allowances and many other incentives, but art is still not recognised as a proper profession in the country, he said.

Former president Gen Pervez Musharraf, himself an art lover, was the only one who took many steps for the welfare of artists, including establishing the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), emerging folk singer Laila Jatti said.

The Islamabad-based musician said it was a matter of great sorrow that drama artists who had made great contributions were found begging on the roads and died after becoming frustrated because of extreme poverty, while others had sold their awards and medals to meet their living expenses.

The government gives pride of performance awards to artists and thinks its responsibility is fulfilled, she said.

Ms Jatti said artists should receive pensions after retirement, just like government employees, so they can live their lives with dignity when their health deteriorates and they do not get work.

Television channels invite singers and musicians to perform on their shows and do not pay them, saying this will promote their careers; the state-run channel, at least, must pay artists after inviting them to shows.

Ms Jatti also urged the concerned authorities to establish an institution or platform for talented artists who are unable to come forward because of a lack of resources so that their self-respect is not compromised.

Emerging Islambad-based calligrapher Wasil Shahid said the promotion of good creative art reflects the strengthened democratic values of any country, and artists play a crucial role in paving the way for progressive thinking and enlightenment.

If any state neglects the contribution of artists toward the betterment of society, it actually hinders this process of progressive thinking and developing a peaceful nation.

I cannot term such politics democratic politics which address only the material needs of a society, avoiding their development at a civilisational and cultural level, he said.

Mr Shahid said the conflict between democratic values and dictating behaviour in the country had confused the nation and the promotion of art could help eliminate intolerance from society. The manifestos of all the political parties have largely not spoken about artists’ welfare, but most parties have mentioned steps for the community’s uplift at the end of their manifestos.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2018