by Nicholas RAINER

An artist, by definition, is someone who strives to attain mental and spiritual freedom. If this task is difficult at the best of times, it is positively Herculean in a parochial society like Mauritius. Politicians should not tamper with this noble quest. Even if their inherent insecurities dictate that they should attempt to control artistic expression. The country needs its artists to thrive and evolve if it is to achieve even a small degree of intellectual and creative independence.

This is why the Mauritian Society of Authors (Masa) should be spared the rampant political nepotism that has gained other quarters. Culture is no longer the maid of government even if the appointments of Mahendra Gowressoo, and previously, Motee Ramdass, as ministers of Arts and Culture suggests otherwise.

By continuously and perniciously trying to stifle criticism, be it artistic or otherwise, government is only adding fuel to the human desire to secure freedom of expression. Thus, the time has come to set the artists free of an oppressive bureaucracy and inept functionaries. Furthermore, the conflict between the Copyright Act and Masa?s supposed quasi-autonomy needs to be resolved too.

The last government set an encouraging precedent when they appointed an artist, Marcel Poinen, as chairman of Masa?s board. For the first time, musicians, writers, painters et al. were being represented by someone of their ilk, someone who understood the intrinsic difficulties of securing a semblance of artistic freedom in a country as socially rigid as Mauritius. Naturally (for some at any rate), Poinen?s head was amongst the first to roll with the advent of the new regime. Replacing him with a political nominee will only draw the ire of artists. Government already has enough on its plate without having to engage in a five-year feud with the country?s creative minds, spirits and voices.

It will take a lot of political maturity and confidence from government if it is to overcome its primal instinct, which is to control. Empowering Masa?s members to elect their next chairman would indeed be a great stride in the right direction. In fact, it is the least that government can do. Artists, as you know, are amongst the greatest ambassadors that this country has and any disenchantment with the political elite will be translated into their works both at home and abroad.

However, asking the State to accept a cessation of all forms of interference in the workings of the Masa, does not mean that it cannot contribute to the latter?s emancipation. Piracy is gnawing at the local music industry like a tumour on a healthy brain. Mauritians seem reluctant to realize what a scourge this is and regularly prefer pirated albums to originals. Even if this means that the artists they purport to ?love? and ?respect? are denied remuneration for their creations. A more forceful and courageous implementation of anti-piracy laws would afford artists with some financial security and the ?space? to continue creating.

Thanks to the relentless advance of the corporate machine, Mauritians are sinking even deeper into consumerism and debt. Our artists are one of the last beacons of hope in this frightening wasteland. Government may pander to the private sector but it best leave the Masa alone. Or to paraphrase Pink Floyd, ?Hey, teachers! Leave those kids alone!?.