Local illustrators whose artistic works are used in educative materials have advised the government to introduce Fine Arts subject from the primary level of education in a bid to promote arts.

Collins Mdachi from Sisi Illustrators  told the ‘Daily News’ early this week that many children with interest in arts find themselves with no choice but to give up developing their talents due to lack of proper training from the lower level of education.

“Fine Arts subject is as significant subject as others because it (the subject) plays an important role in most kinds of innovation as discovery starts with designing,” he said during the opening of in house exhibition dubbed ‘Words Lighted Up on Monday’. Collins and his fellow artist, Abdul Gugu of Sisi Illustrators have been showcasing a collection of their work done in the last decade in a two-week exhibition at Goethe Institut in Dar es Salaam.

Through the collection of their work, they share with the public their passion of translating words into beautiful and eye catching illustration. Abdul observed that the number of illustrators has declined due to lack of motivation contrary to the 1990s when he ventured into the art, saying in those days talented young people would receive frequent trainings thanks to the Children Books Project.

“It is high time the government should introduce Fine Arts subject from primary level to encourage those interested in arts to make their dreams come true,” he said. Judith Kipengele, who is a form two student at Kibasila Secondary School, expressed her delight with the exhibition and that she urged the government to introduce the Fine Arts subject in all schools to engage students interested in art.

By LUDOVICK KAZOKA, Tanzania Daily News