Bhutan is investing nearly Nu 280 M from its Economic Stimulus Programme to grow the creative industry. The government has shared details of how this fund will support everything from digital content and theatre to anti-piracy efforts. It is a part of a wider Nu 530 M plan for the sector.
The largest chunk Nu 77 M goes into the craft sector, aiming to improve traditional products and bring Bhutanese artistry to bigger markets.
Nu 40 M each is allocated for creative camps and events, and for funding and co-producing international-standard films and series.
Nu 30 M each is set aside for aspiring digital content creators, and for training professionals in film, music, and OTT platforms.
Nu 25 M will support reviving theatre, stand-up comedy, and publishing.
Nu 20 M is allocated for media programs.
Nu 10 M will go into organising Bhutan Fashion Week.
And Nu 3.5 M is reserved for anti-piracy efforts, using creative platforms to raise awareness.
Creative Industry is expected to increase domestic production, reduce youth unemployment, improving foreign currency, and reviving business ventures, and improving tourism.
Namgyal Dorji, MoICE minister said, “Once the government gives them budget in millions, it doesn’t stop there. We have an agreement with them. The income that they make after producing the content, they will take 50 per cent profit and the government takes the other 50 per cent and that money, we plough it back into the creative industry.”
The remaining budget will go toward building two movie halls in Samdrup Jongkhar and Wangdue Phodrang. In his written response, the Minister said Bhutan is looking at South Korea’s success in music and film as a model for the country’s creative future.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
