THE National Arts Council, BASATA has advised arts stakeholders to register with the council by the end of this year as formalization of the sector is set to start in January, next year,

The advice was issued out by BASATA Executive Secretary, Ghonche Materego when addressing journalists, saying the registration of all stakeholders will give the council chance to set up its plans towards the formalization of the art sector.

He listed those supposed to register as artists in the fields of handcrafts, performing arts, film, music, arts association, arts products business community, still pictures artists, producers of art works and artist trainers as well as owners of arts and entertainment halls.

Materego said the exercise has started in line with the government order to formalize the sector, saying it aimed at promoting the artistes works as well as protect their welfare.

He outlined some of the benefits the artistes will bear from the formalization of the sector as good planning and trainings pertaining to their works.

"It will also allow us to set up projects to promote the sector by knowing the exact numbers of our beneficiaries, thus plan properly in areas of training, trade fair, marketing of their works and fostering international relations," he said.

Moreover, he said, the aim of the registration is to make art stakeholders formally be recognized by financial institutions, which could help them access loans.He called upon all district and municipal council's directors to work closely with BASATA to make the exercise successfully.