Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AFTER an exciting and successful journey to San Sebastian in Spain, where he connected with creatives from around the world at the Artelier Young Festival Managers — Ndau Arts Festival director, Phillip Kusasa, is soaring once again after NdaFA was selected as one of the recipients of the First Open Call of the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Fund.
Kusasa’s project among others, according to the funders, speak directly to the goal of the fund — to support new, original creative works and artistic showcases.
The project is a brainchild of the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, and supported by Stimulus Africa Foundation, which is the fund manager for the SSADZA fund.
Read part of the statement by the organisers: “The Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, supported by Stimulus Africa Foundation, the fund manager for the SSADZA Fund, are pleased to announce the awardees for the First Open Call of the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Fund.
“We are delighted to announce the results of a thorough review process that evaluated an impressive pool of over 300 applications for the first open call. The selected projects speak directly to the goal of the fund, that is to support new, original creative works and artistic showcases.
“The exceptional artistic initiatives selected provide a variety of artistry including, film – a short film featuring a multi-generational cast and crew that addresses important cultural issues; music – supporting music festivals that highlight musicians with disabilities as well as celebrate culture through music; and collaborations – an artistic collaboration combine poetry, digital art and fashion.”
Kusasa won in the Arts Organization Award together with POVO Afrika. Individual artist awards went to Makanaka Mavengere, Jesesi Mungoshi, Steven Chigorimbo, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, Thuthkani Ndlovu, Chipo Muchegwa, Pauline Gundidza, Sithandazile Gumbo, Vuyo Brown and Jacqueline Mpofu.
“We extend our congratulations to the awardees, and are encouraged by the positive response to the fund so far. The future of Zimbabwean arts is bright, and we are excited to be part of its growth. We acknowledge the immense talent across Zimbabwe’s creative sector and appreciate the effort put into each application. Unfortunately, not everyone could be selected in this round.
“However, this is just the beginning! The SSADZA Fund will issue two calls per year for the next four years, so the next call could be yours! To support aspiring applicants, the Embassy of Switzerland and Stimulus Africa Foundation will organise an Application Process Workshop, whereby we will outline key requirements and tips to improve the chances of securing funding through SSADZA Fund.”
Kusasa, in an interview, said he was elated by being among the chosen ones.
He said he returned with a wealth of expertise, experience, and valuable lessons from the festival which provided him a lifetime opportunity to network with fellow festival organisers drawn from across the world, exchange innovative ideas, and gain fresh insights into the latest trends in arts and culture management.
“I am truly honoured and humbled by this selection. I am filled with immense joy and gratitude to those who placed their trust in me. This opportunity is, not only a personal achievement, but a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
“I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that the Ndau Arts Festival becomes a transformative event for Manicaland and Zimbabwe as a whole. I am excited for the journey ahead.
“The announcement came at a time when I am still celebrating the wealth of experience I gained at the Young Managers Festival in Spain. That experience was truly enriching, offering invaluable insights and connections that have further fueled my passion and drive.
“To now receive this incredible opportunity feels like a perfect continuation of the personal and professional growth I have been experiencing. It is an exciting moment of alignment, and I am eager to channel all that I have learnt into making the Ndau Arts Festival a success. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey,” said Kusasa.
Online Reporter