adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo is set to increase its monthly rentals fivefold next month. With effect from July 7, studio rentals at the gallery will go up to $200 from $40 for commercial studios on the first floor. On the ground floor, the new figure will be $100 up from $40. The ground floor houses several studios which are set aside for up-and-coming artistes and the studios upstairs house resident artists.
NGZ director, Voti Thebe, said the gallery increased its rentals because it was no longer viable to continue with the current charges.
“The rentals we were charging were not viable for the gallery and that is why we decided to increase them. The artists were virtually paying nothing and we gave them ample time to be prepared for the increase as we told them in December,” he said.
Thebe said artists were told of the impending increase in December and another meeting was held last week to remind them.
He said up-and-coming artists were not spared as they would also have to fork out more for rentals.
“The ground floor is set aside for young up-and-coming artists and we also had to increase their rentals. However, they are still paying less,” Thebe said.
Artistes have expressed mixed feelings over the rise in rentals with some welcoming it, while others have said it would discourage upcoming artistes.
One of the artists who declined to be named said: “I support the move because really, if one is paying $40 and they have been in the arts industry for years it doesn’t make sense. Raising the rentals will definitely separate the grain from the chaff”.
Another artist said the gallery should spare a thought for up-and-coming artists who will find it hard to pay the rentals as they are still making names for themselves in the industry.
“My concern is for those who are up-and-coming and new in the game. It is tough to make a name and even raise the required $100. The gallery should spare a thought for them. I think those coming in will have to be supported in other means so that they find their feet in the arts industry,” he said.
derick.khumalo