Identify the regulatory institutions and organisations dealing with the rights of an artist

Government organisations are established and funded by the state to oversee matters such as copyright, intellectual property rights, funding for the arts, and cultural preservation. They operate within the framework of national laws and regulations.

Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA)

COSOTA was established in 1999 under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act of 1999. It operates on a dual system, functioning both as a government copyright office and as a collective management organisation.

Functions of COSOTA

• Promotes and protects the interests of authors, performers, translators, producers of sound recordings, broadcasters, and publishers
• Collects and distributes royalties or other remuneration to rights holders
• Maintains registers of works, productions, and associations of artists
• Searches for, identifies, and publicises the rights of owners and gives evidence of ownership during disputes or infringements
• Publishes information, reports, and materials relating to copyright and performers' rights
• Issues licenses to users of copyrighted works

Importance to Theatre Artists

Registering with COSOTA provides theatre artists with a streamlined process for safeguarding their creative works. It empowers them to assert ownership rights and retain control over how their art is used and distributed. Through copyright protection, artists can ensure they receive proper recognition and compensation for their creations.

National Arts Council (NAC/BASATA)

The National Arts Council of Tanzania, popularly known as BASATA (Baraza la Sanaa Tanzania), was established in 1984. It serves as the primary government body for facilitating and promoting all forms of arts, including theatre, music, visual arts, and crafts.

Functions of NAC

• Reviews and promotes the development and creation of artistic works, including indigenous musical instruments, songs, poetry, and traditional dances
• Conducts research on the development, production, and marketing of artistic works
• Provides consultancy services and technical assistance for developing artistic companies
• Plans, conducts, and coordinates arts activities and events within the country
• Advises the government on matters pertaining to the promotion and production of artistic works
• Organises exhibitions, shows, displays, workshops, seminars, and competitions

Importance to Theatre Artists

NAC provides a platform for theatre artists to develop their skills, access resources, and participate in national arts events. It supports the growth of artistic companies and ensures that Tanzanian culture is preserved and promoted through the arts.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are private, non-profit organisations that operate independently of government control. They address specific social, cultural, and developmental issues affecting artists.

Tanzania Artists Rights Organisation (TARO)

TARO was officially registered in 2021 as a non-government organisation that advocates for the rights and interests of artists. It recognises art as fundamental to human culture and society.

Functions of TARO

• Creates awareness among artists about their rights, including the right to association, freedom of movement, protection of social and economic welfare, and participation in cultural life
• Encourages society to participate in poverty alleviation through arts and literature
• Promotes the protection of artists' works from piracy and unauthorised use
• Raises awareness on laws governing artistic works in Tanzania
• Promotes the use of arts in upholding democracy, rule of law, human rights, and good governance
• Offers training, awareness campaigns, conferences, workshops, awards, and advocacy
• Provides legal assistance to artists facing issues of unauthorized reproduction or ownership disputes

Importance to Theatre Artists

TARO specifically addresses the challenges artists face regarding intellectual property violations and provides support when artists' works are used without consent. It also advocates for the overall welfare of artists in Tanzania.

Nafasi Art Space

Nafasi Art Space was founded in 2008 by various artists collaboratively. While primarily focused on visual arts, it represents the NGO mission of enhancing access and participation in the arts.

Services Offered

• Studio spaces for artists
• Training opportunities and workshops
• Artistic talks and discussions
• Platforms to organise and participate in public events, including film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and art fairs

Importance to Theatre Artists

Nafasi Art Space provides artists with physical spaces to create, train, and showcase their work. It facilitates networking opportunities and helps artists establish themselves within the creative community.

A Form 5 theatre student in Tanzania can apply this knowledge by registering their original play or script with COSOTA before staging a performance at a community event in Dar es Salaam. If another group later attempts to perform the play without permission or credit, the student can seek assistance from TARO and use their COSOTA registration as legal proof of ownership, ensuring they receive proper recognition and any due royalties.