Dimapur, April 9 (MExN): According to a survey conducted by NEAN (North East Artist Network) Dimapur, from all over the region it was found out that only 25% of the artists could avail the financial help given by the Government and financial institutions whereas the rest of 75% did not have access to financial assistance. Only about 20.83% of the artists could sustain their livelihood by the income from their profession whereas 79.17% were not able to meet even their day-to-day requirements from the profession they followed. The main reason for this drawbacks can be traced to these factors-lack of better platform to showcase their talents; less support from Government and other agencies to hone their skills by training them and nonetheless; insufficient funds to start their business with.
A press note issued by Toshiba Jamir (President Nean) stated, “It can be said without any doubt that Northeast India has many talented people in various fields like music, dance, fine arts, culture, literature, films, traditional crafts etc. However, due to a variety of reasons including financial, the majority of the talent is left untapped and their potential to contribute to the nation and world at large is squandered and left to wither away”.
He also cited in the note that during an interview with Obed Kath, the frontman of the popular international Christian Rock Band from Nagaland, “Divine Connection”, he stated that “Government has been promoting state talents in music through Hornbill Festival which is a good step, however, it is not enough to cover the many untapped talents in and around the whole state. One of my suggestion is that the Corporate sectors in North-East should take up the task by sponsoring upcoming artist by organizing musical events and the Govt. too can work hand in hand by connecting with marketing agents in search for more rural talents”.
Our culture gives us identity and this identity needs to be showcased to others through our artists, and in doing so pave way to empower them to generate finances, however small scaled, for sustained livelihood through their art, he said. He therefore, felt that it is very important to identify these talents and nurture, encourage and to provide a platform for the artist giving them the utmost financial assistance to realize their full potential.
