Cultural Cooperation

Norway has had a long-term involvement in the cultural sector in Malawi. The grant covers three types of input: Support for the Performing Arts, capacity building in arts organizations, and conservation of cultural heritage. In 2008, the embassy agreed to a three-year collaboration with Nanzikambe Arts, and so far has worked resulted in the setup of Ibsen's "A Doll's House", and the interactive play "Democracy On Trial". Nanzikambe Theatre will also be used in work aimed at gender equality and women's rights, HIV/Aids, corruption, governance and environmental issues. The Embassy has recently taken over and extended a deal with Copy Right Society of Malawi (COSOMA), which is an organization for Malawian artists. COSOMA has had a cooperation project on intellectual property rights with KOPINOR, and the agreement has been extended by three years, with the embassy as a partner. The program also focuses on art and culture as important tools in the development process. Norway has also supported Kungoni Culture, see www.kungoni.org Norway also provides support through the Malawian Ministry of Culture. This support is used for the maintenance of cultural heritage, maintenance and restoration of listed buildings and conservation of prehistoric art forms such as rock carvings.