A group of Kisumu dancers in a jig at a previous function at Kisumu airport.[Roberto Muyela]
Performing artists from Kisumu County have been urged to create a niche for themselves by creating platforms to show case their talent and help promote tourism in western Kenya tourist circuit.
A nominee for county executive member for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Sports Archy Alai, lamented that while there was a lot of potential among upcoming artists, most of them over relied on established artists to market themselves.
Alai challenged them to start showcasing their talents at the local level, adding that arts and culture industry would be a game changer for the tourism sector in the region that has a rich cultural heritage
However, the local artists expressed their disappointment to the county government for failing to integrate them in planning of the arts and cultural activities.
Led by Lennox Omondi, the leader of Kisumu Artist Association, the artist want organizers of promotional events and county government to stop the tendency of sourcing artists from Nairobi whom they also paid more as opposed to local ones.
Thomas Ouko, Director Tourism, Kisumu County said that the county government intends to position Kisumu as global tourism destination and stakeholders in the arts and culture industry have a key role to play in advancing the region.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the sector are set to hold ‘Kisumu Art Carnival’ aimed at marketing the region and promoting local artists to be held from March 31 to April 4, 2018.