Nairobi, March 2 -- The Mapping Report on Artistic Freedom in Tanzania cites cultural protectionism, political interference, lack of harmonisation of laws and regulations, and the lack of professionalism as challenges to the art sector.

According to the study conducted by Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA), artistes are not aware of the laws, policies and regulations governing them.

"It is not uncommon to come across officials in the institutions that regulate the art sector who have little or no knowledge at all of the art sector," the report notes.

The report says that the freedom for artistes to create is not only limited by authorities such as Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa (Basata, or National Arts Council), Tanzania Film Board ...