The parliament of Botswana recently passed a draft 'National Cultural Policy', prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Department of Culture and Youth and the Botswana National Cultural Council, in March 2001. Key features of the policy are: promotion of cultural heritage and mixing with contemporary culture; promotion of programs; service and infrastructure development that encourages public participation in arts activities; the increased preservation and protection of historical monuments and cultural property; strengthening the interrelationships between culture, science, technology, health and education; assertion and promotion of cultural product, and thorough marketing of artistic output; the provision of training for all cultural practitioners; assurance of equitable distribution of cultural resources between urban and rural communities. Botswana has, like many countries, absorbed the impact of foreign cultural elements, and acknowledges that such influences can be both a benefit and a threat to indigenous cultures. One of the government’s key reasons for introducing a new policy is to drive the development of national culture, resulting in the adoption of a more selective approach to accepting foreign cultural values and practice. The intention is to provide a clearer understanding of different artforms and currently held national attitudes towards the arts. The government of Botswana believes that this long term policy sets a new direction for the nation, and that the implementation of bold strategies for cultural development will witness a greater emphasis on national identity, as well as the breaking down of stereotypes. This will be achieved through increased cultural activity, which will include and appropriately recognise all sections of the community. The date for publication of the final National Cultural Policy is yet to be announced. For further information see: www.imo.hr/ocpa/news/full2002.htm.