Kenya and USA Collaborate for Groundbreaking Creative Economy Conference
Kenya and the USA will co-host a Creative Economy Conference to boost talent and innovation in creative sectors like film, music, and digital arts. Key officials emphasize the importance of empowering youth and creating sustainable career opportunities. The conference will feature workshops, discussions, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and global recognition for Kenyan creatives, with support from US expertise.
Kenya and the United States are set to co-host a Creative Economy Conference aimed at connecting industry leaders, artists, and policymakers. This event will focus on talent development and innovation in creative sectors such as film, music, and digital arts, ultimately enhancing economic opportunities for creatives. The initiative stems from discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and US officials during a state visit to Atlanta last year.
Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, underscored the government’s commitment to uplifting young people through the creative economy. He stated, “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” emphasizing the conference as a vital opportunity for idea exchange, partnerships, and sustainable career development.
Mvurya highlighted the creative economy’s significance in job creation for Kenyan youth, particularly with rising fields like digital content creation and film production. The conference will feature various activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry experts from both nations. To achieve lasting benefits, the Kenyan government is expediting policies to foster a conducive environment for young creatives.
The conference aligns with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aiming to establish the creative economy as a national development cornerstone. The CS indicated that policies will soon support creatives in commercializing their talents and accessing funding, generating excitement among local artists eager for exposure.
US Ambassador Marc Billard expressed the United States’ commitment to enhancing Kenya’s creative industry, stressing the importance of collaboration in unlocking potential. He stated, “The youth are our future, and creating opportunities that connect talent, skills, and knowledge between Kenya and the US remains a key objective that we will continue to advance.”
He also mentioned the potential for Kenyan creatives to benefit from US expertise in the entertainment sector and explore avenues for expanding market access and joint ventures. The expectation is that the conference will forge long-lasting partnerships that will benefit both Kenya and the US.
The upcoming Creative Economy Conference co-hosted by Kenya and the USA aims to enhance economic opportunities for creatives across various sectors. With support from both governments, the event aspires to empower youth and foster long-term partnerships, ultimately transforming the landscape of Kenya’s creative industry. By leveraging the expertise from the US, Kenyan artists are expected to gain valuable insights for scalability and global recognition.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
