DODOMA, May 4 -- THE Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda has said that the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA), has expanded artist registration, with a total of 21,875 artists, groups and institutions recorded by April 2026.

The Minister made the statement when presenting the ministrys budget estimate for 2026/27 at the parliament in Dodoma on Monday stating that the figure marks a sharp rise compared to 1,935 artists registered in the 2024/25 financial year, reflecting a 91 per cent increase as part of efforts to reach and formalise stakeholders in the arts sector.

According to the Minister, the data serves as a critical foundation for research, planning and policy decision-making aimed at advancing...