Tanzanian Arts Advocates Push for National Arts Act Reforms Amid Parliamentary Engagement (2024)

Dodoma, Tanzania —The Tanzania Arts Rights Organization (TARO) has expressed optimism about potential amendments to the outdated National Arts Act No. 23 of 1984, following high-level discussions with parliamentary committees. During concurrent meetings held at the parliamentary premises in Dodoma, TARO representatives outlined key demands, including addressing artistic censorship, promoting gender equality in the arts, safeguarding artistic freedom as a human right, and strengthening the broader cultural sector. The 41-year-old legislation, they argue, requires urgent modernization to reflect contemporary creative and social realities.

While lawmakers reportedly voiced no objections to the proposed amendments, they emphasized the need for full quorum participation from all relevant parliamentary committees—particularly those overseeing culture, gender, and legal affairs—to advance the process.

“The engagement demonstrated that amendment is achievable, but it demands coordinated action across parliamentary committees, and relevant ministerial departments,” a TARO representative noted. The organization has already submitted draft revisions and is now urging expedited deliberations to align the law with Tanzania’s evolving artistic landscape