adminIn a statement, the festival organisers said the event, which promises to be bigger and better than the previous years, would be held from 25 to 29 September at the Great Zimbabwe University Main Campus, Charles Austin Theatre, the Masvingo Civic Centre and the Masvingo Showground, among other venues.
The festival will run under the theme: “Empowerment Through the Creative Economy” and will be officially opened by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe executive director Mr Elvas Mari.
“We have lined up a good number of artistes who will perform with others presenting papers on art. Some of the notable figures who will grace the occasion comprise Bulawayo’s Amakhosi director Cont Mhlanga, renowned art critic and playwright, Raisedon Baya, Winky D, Sulumani Chimbetu and Dembo brothers.
“The Visual Arts Section will feature displays by Friends of Joshua Trust and on the film segment Abel Dzobo will screen the Tongai Dhewa Moyo Documentary,” reads the statement.
The festival has events that span from theatre to dance, fine art to craft art, traditional and contemporary music to poetry readings to lectures on various cultural and arts issues.
“There, surely, is something for everyone. The theme for DAF 2012 is motivated by the deep-seated belief that it should be a vehicle through which professionalism and entrepreneurship among artistes is cultivated and nurtured.
“The festival will draw experts in the arts and culture sectors of the country and from sister festivals to conduct workshops for local artistes,” reads the statement.
The festival is also held in line with the guiding principle of the NACZ of working “Towards the Professionalisation of the Arts by 2015”.
Dzimbabwe Arts Festival is a unique multi-disciplinary festival that showcases performances and productions in visual arts, literary arts, culinary arts and performing arts.
The festival will also feature an academic symposium, Family Fun Day and Miss Great Zimbabwe University. The Family Fun Day will be held in collaboration with the Masvingo Show society.
Online Reporter