Laws and regulations governing the work of artists:
a) Employment and working conditions:
Labour laws
b) Training:
Training is included in the general right to education

WORKING CONDITIONS Work permit and "professional" status for artists
There is no officially recognized professional status for artists. Foreign artists who want to come and work in Malawi have to obtain first a work permit just like any other foreigner working in the country.

Health care system
In Malawi the health care system available is a general one where by the citizens go to government hospital to get free medication or pay a fee if they want special treatment.

Private healthcare systems
There are several private health care schemes, which are general and artists have access to them like any other worker.

Administrative inspections
Working conditions are subjected to administrative inspections. Administrative inspections can be carried out for several purposes:
- Inspections for licensing purposes: copyright, city rates, etc.
- Inspections aimed to qualify creative works to get a license, for performance or display by censorship/classification board, etc.
 
Administrative inspections are carried out by:
o The Censorship and Classification Board
o The Copyright Society of Malawi
o The City, Town and District Assemblies

Penalties
Penalties imposed range from fine, revolution of license and even closure.


SOCIAL WELFARE

Insurance schemes
In Malawi there are no insurance schemes in place in general, but employed artist get retirement packages in general. Social coverage is not compulsory.
 
Complementary insurance schemes
Artists may resort to private insurance schemes.

Administration of contributions
The employing organization or its agent (private firms) are the ones who administer the payment of benefits.

REMUNERATION

Minimum level of payment
The minimum level of payment depends on the type of service rendered by the artist. Employed artist are paid monthly. Artist on contract are paid per service. Freelance artists are paid per service or job. Artists are paid wages directly.

UNEMPLOYMENT

There is no employment insurance scheme for artists in Malawi.

Source: Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Department of Arts and Crafts, October 2003.

Useful links:

• Index of Ministries