<P><U><B>The Mandate</B></U></P>
<P>The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) of the Gambia was established by legislation in 1990, to provide for the Gambia an institution for the preservation, study, enjoyment and appreciation of the countrys arts and culture through systematic collection, research, and performances. The Council is responsible for national monuments, the public museums, promotion of culture, and preservation of historic sites.</P>
<P>The Council serves professional arts, theatre, dance, visual arts, crafts, cultural animation, heritage, folk or traditional culture, museums and galleries, archives, archeology, preservation and conservation of artifacts, language preservation, training of artists and/or cultural workers, writing, book publishing,and arts education.</P>
<P>The Council</P>
<UL>
<LI>provides financial support to arts/cultural organizations
<LI>advises the national government on matters related to the arts/culture
<LI>has responsibility for government legislation related to the arts/culture
<LI>develops national arts/cultural policies
<LI>implements national arts/cultural policies
<LI>evaluates national arts/cultural policies
<LI>conducts research in the arts/culture
<LI>compiles and maintains the national cultural statistics and databases
<LI>promotes public understanding and appreciation of the arts/culture
<LI>has lead responsibility at the national level for coordinating international cultural relations and exchanges
<LI>has responsibility for copyright and intellectual property matters
<LI>organizes and manages cultural activities or events
<LI>provides training and professional development in artistic/cultural fields
<LI>publishes books and/or magazines
<LI>manages the public museums </LI></UL>
<P>There is no governing body.</P>
<P><U><B>The Staff</B></U></P>
<P>The 51 employees are public servants. The staff who have direct program responsibilities come from the field. The chief executive officer is appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture.</P>
<P>The organization has regional officies to oversee the museums and guest facilities in the provinces.</P>
<P><U><B>Relationship with Government</B></U></P>
<P>The Department of State for Tourism and Culture is the government department with which the Council has the closest relationship. The Council receives funding from the government. It is audited yearly by the government.</P>
<P>The government</P>
<UL>
<LI>appoints the chief executive officer
<LI>establishes the overall policies within which the organization works </LI></UL>
<P>The Councils financial accounts are audited by the government auditor or an auditor appointed by the government.</P>
<P>The Council</P>
<UL>
<LI>determines its own policies
<LI>determines its own current priorities
<LI>establishes its own strategic plan
<LI>appoints its chief executive officer
<LI>selects its other staff members
<LI>determines who will receive its financial support </LI></UL>
<P>The allocation of the Councils budget to various programs and activities is in part determined by government and in part by the Council. The government can give directions to the organization on management affairs but not on professional operations.</P>
<P><U><B>Budget and Revenue Sources</B></U></P>
<P>The total budget in the current year is Zambian $983,760 (or $81,980 in U.S. dollars), almost all of which is contributed by the national government. The Council receives annual funding from the governments general revenues or culture budget. Over the last five years, government funding has remained at the same level.</P>
<P>The Council can receive donations from non-government sources, is actively pursuing such revenues and is expected by government to raise funds from non-government sources. Gate fees at the museums and user chargers on researchers provide some revenue.</P>
<P><U><B>Programs of Financial Support for the Arts/Cultural Community</B></U></P>
<P>The Council provides financial support to organizations. Only professional activities are supported.</P>
<P>The funds can be used for</P>
<UL>
<LI>research and development
<LI>production, presentation and exhibition
<LI>publication
<LI>conservation and preservation
<LI>capital expenses
<LI>deficit reduction </LI></UL>
<P>Any activities not related directly to the Councils mandate cannot be funded. All expenditures must be clearly accounted for in the form of invoices, receipts, etc.</P>
<P>Peer assessment is not used by the Council.</P>
<P><U><B>Unique or Special Features of the Organization</B></U></P>
<P>Currently the Council has embarked on a 10-year support project by the World Bank. It seeks to develop the NCAC human resources base, infrastructure, and organizational structure.</P>
<P><U><B>Greatest Current Challenge</B></U></P>
<P>Training of staff and attracting more donor assistance to support expansion projects are the greatest challenges.</P>
<P><U><B>Greatest Current Strength</B></U></P>
<P>The greatest strengths are a highly qualified professional staff, focussed leadership, and cordial relations with the Department of State for Tourism and Culture.</P>
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