In its endeavour to empower artists, the department of culture's performing arts division has come up with a pilot project dubbed Arts at the Centre to promote and market performing and visuals artists through performance arts festivals.

The department's director, Thabologo Ndzinge, says that the festivals will be held at shopping centres in Francistown and Gaborone. This year, she said, they will be held in Francistown's Galo Centre on August 23 and Gaborone Game City on September 6.

The events are expected to bring together a total of 34 artists, namely performing artists (musicians, poets, and comedians), visual artists (fine arts, pottery and bead work as well as fashion design), who will showcase their talents.

"This is yet another initiative by the department to take performing arts to the people," she said.