TARO Engages Tanzanian Arts Authorities in Push for National Arts Act Reform

Dar es salaam, Tanzania — As part of its ongoing SANAA Rights Project, the Tanzania Arts Rights Organization (TARO) convened a high-level meeting with key arts regulatory bodies to push for amendments to the National Arts Act No. 23 of 1984. The discussions, held with the Copyright Office of Tanzania (COOTA), the Swahili Language Board, the National Arts Council (BASATA), and the Tanzania Film Board, centered on modernizing the decades-old law to better align with contemporary artistic and societal needs.

TARO successfully presented its proposed amendments, which aim to address artistic censorship, enhance gender equity, and uphold creative freedoms. However, the National Arts Council (BASATA) raised critical points that could shape the future of the legislative review process.

Key Concerns Raised by BASATA:

1. Balancing Artistic Freedom and Public Protection

   • BASATA emphasized that the current law’s restrictions on artistic expression exist to shield the public from harmful content.

   • The council pointed to existing ethical guidelines for artists as a mechanism to mitigate excessive censorship while maintaining safeguards.

2. Redundancy in Regulatory Oversight

   • The council expressed no objection to removing overlapping monitoring functions assigned to BASATA, noting that such roles are already covered by other laws.

3. Need for Government Involvement

   • BASATA stressed that proposed amendments must directly involve relevant ministerial departments, as arts authorities alone cannot ensure the legislative changes are enacted.

4. Rethinking Artistic Expression Limits

   • While acknowledging the need to protect artists, BASATA urged stakeholders to explore alternative approaches to regulating artistic content without stifling creativity or harming the sector.

Next Steps in the Amendment Process

TARO’s engagement marks a significant step in advocating for legal reforms, but BASATA’s feedback highlights the complexities of balancing artistic freedom with regulatory oversight. Moving forward, the amendment process will require:

• Inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure legal and policy coherence.

• A comprehensive review of overlapping mandates across arts-related laws.

Quote from TARO Representative:"This discussion was a pivotal moment in our advocacy. While there’s consensus on the need for reform, the path forward must be inclusive, ensuring that artistic freedom is protected without compromising public interest."

Why This Matters:Tanzania’s creative sector has long operated under a 40-year-old law that critics say is ill-equipped for today’s digital and socially conscious landscape. As debates over censorship, gender equity, and bureaucratic efficiency intensify, this legislative review could redefine the future of Tanzanian arts.Further developments expected as consultations continue.