About Us

TANZANIA ARTISTS RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (TARO) is a non-governmental organization that champions Artistic Freedom in Tanzania. We advocate for the rights and interests of artists and their works. TARO serves as both a human rights and a cultural rights defender for artists. It engages to contribute to the development of the Tanzanian arts and cultural sector by focusing on enhancing Artistic freedom in the area of promotion of freedom of artistic expression, artists' rights and interests, professionalism, and gender equality. The organization achieves this through advocacy, awareness campaigns, research, monitoring, and reporting on artistic freedom in Tanzania. The organization was founded by Mr. Joshua Msambila, who is an attorney, and it was officially registered in the year 2021.

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WHY TARO WAS FORMED?

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Art is a fundamental aspect of human culture and society, as it reflects the creativity and imagination of individuals. We must recognize the value of art as an essential aspect of our humanity. Freedom of artistic expression enables artists to imagine,  create meaningful and impactful work that enriches our lives and contributes to a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant society

 

The most common forms of violation of freedom of artistic expression in Tanzania are censorship and persecution. They occur when authorities or institutions restrict or suppress the creation, distribution, broadcast, publicity, or exhibition of certain forms of art. Whether it is through laws, regulations, authorities’ practices, or societal pressures. Censorship and persecution often stem from a fear of controversial or challenging ideas( upholding social justice, the rule of law, human rights, good governance, and democracy) as well as a desire to control public discourse. By censoring art and persecuting artists, we deny ourselves the opportunity to engage in important conversations, to connect, to reflect on our experiences and emotions, to grapple with complex and challenging issues.

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Throughout history, art has played a crucial role in shaping societies and influencing people's perspectives and beliefs. However, the development of art faces various challenges that hinder its growth and impact on society. One significant challenge for the development of art is the lack of funding and support for aspiring artists. Many talented individuals struggle to pursue a career in art due to financial constraints, as the cost of materials and resources can be overwhelming. Additionally, the lack of recognition and poor support from the government and institutions makes it difficult for artists to thrive and make a sustainable living from their work. As a result, many aspiring artists are forced to abandon their dreams and seek alternative careers, thereby depriving society of their unique perspectives and talents.

 

The commercialization of art also poses a significant challenge to its development. In a society driven by consumerism and profit, art has become commoditized, leading to a focus on commercial success rather than artistic integrity. This emphasis on profitability often stifles creativity and forces artists to compromise their vision to cater to market demands. Additionally, the commoditization of art has resulted in the marginalization of marginalized artists and the proliferation of cultural appropriation, undermining the representation and recognition of diverse artistic voices.

 

Furthermore, the rise of digital media and technology has changed the landscape of art, presenting both opportunities and challenges for its development. While digital platforms have made art more accessible and allowed for greater visibility and connectivity, they have also created new obstacles for artists. The digitization of art has led to issues of copyright infringement, plagiarism, and the devaluation of original artistic creations. Additionally, the saturation of digital content has made it difficult for artists to stand out and gain recognition, further impeding their development and success.​

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The skills, competencies, and experiences of women are often not given significant attention in the arts and cultural sector. Unfortunately, many women artists have had to endure gender-based violence and sexual harassment to take advantage of emerging opportunities. In the public eye, the success of women artists is often attributed to sexual privileges rather than their efforts. This has resulted in very few women achieving mainstream success in comparison to men. The laws governing the arts and culture sector do not promote gender inclusivity, leaving women behind.

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HOW DO WE WORK?

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We partner with anyone with the same shared commitment as enlisted in our focus area. TARO uses collaborative, constructive, advocacy, public interest litigations, and interdisciplinary approaches to achieve its goals. It joins forces with the entire spectrum of the art and cultural sector, including artists, galleries, civil societies, relevant authorities, development partners, international organizations, law firms, arts organizations and federations,  and professional societies including students, governments, academic institutions, and individuals to ensure arts and cultural sector issues' are addressed holistically.

 

SUPPORT US

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We are open to new participants and would appreciate any feedback on how we can further enhance our services. Join us, as we strive to enrich the art scene in Tanzania. TARO is dedicated to empowering local artists and showcasing their talents to the world. By collaborating with us, you will be a part of a movement that creates opportunities for artists in Tanzania and helps to establish a lively and flourishing artistic community. Let's work together to make a positive impact in the world of art.

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