Kenya and United States Unify for Creative Economy Conference to Enhance Opportunities

Kenya and the U.S. will co-host a Creative Economy Conference to foster innovation and talent in the creative sectors, focusing on youth empowerment and economic opportunities. The conference will include workshops and networking sessions, aiming to enhance collaborations between Kenyan and American creatives while establishing lasting partnerships and support for fair compensation. U.S. Ambassador Marc Billard emphasized the importance of this collaboration for unlocking opportunities in the creative economy.

The governments of Kenya and the United States are jointly organizing a Creative Economy Conference aimed at uniting industry leaders, artists, and policymakers from both nations. This initiative seeks to cultivate talent development and stimulate innovation within the creative arenas, including film, music, and digital arts, to enhance economic opportunities for creative professionals.

This conference emanates from discussions that took place during President William Ruto’s visit to Atlanta last year. The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, emphasized the government’s aim to bolster the creative economy as a vehicle for youth empowerment, stating that it focuses on providing economic opportunities and fostering growth.

Mvurya mentioned that the conference would serve as a vital platform for fostering collaborations and exchanging ideas among Kenyan and American creatives while promoting sustainable careers. He acknowledged the rising importance of the creative economy in generating jobs for the youth in Kenya, particularly in digital content creation, film production, and music.

The upcoming event is anticipated to include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions led by industry experts from both countries. Mvurya assured that the Kenyan government is actively working on policies and legislative measures to support and create favorable conditions for young creatives in this sector.

He reiterated the commitment of the Kenyan government to prioritize the creative economy as a key component of national development through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The CS articulated that new policies would amplify opportunities for creatives to monetize their talents, secure funding, and excel in international markets.

Excitement surrounding the conference has surged among Kenyan artists, filmmakers, and musicians, all eager to present their work on a global stage. Mvurya expressed optimism that the event would attract significant figures from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Marc Billard, reinforced the United States’ dedication to aiding Kenya’s creative industry. He stated that collaboration between the two nations is essential for unlocking new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of connecting talents and knowledge between the two countries.

Ambassador Billard noted that the U.S. possesses significant experience in the entertainment and digital arts sectors, which Kenyan creatives could utilize to expand their influence. He underscored the conference’s potential to enhance market access while promoting joint ventures and fair compensation for creatives, highlighting the expectation for lasting partnerships that will benefit both countries.

The Creative Economy Conference co-hosted by Kenya and the United States presents an opportunity to advance the creative sectors in both nations. With a focus on empowering youth, enhancing talent development, and fostering collaborative partnerships, this conference is expected to lay the groundwork for significant advancements within the creative economy. By leveraging shared experiences and resources, stakeholders anticipate increased investment, skills exchange, and global recognition for Kenyan creatives.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke