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Langalakhe Mabena
The city of Bulawayo has announced the return of the much anticipated Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) set to run from 2 to 5 June. The festival is a follow-up of the Bulawayo Day on 1 June.
This year’s festivities will run with a budget of US$30 000, something which various artistes welcomed as a noble idea that will allow them to be part of the festivities, that is if they will get contracts to perform from the organisers.
“The Bulawayo Arts Festival is budgeted for in the City of Bulawayo 2024 Budget under the Festivals and Recreational Activities line item which caters for various activities which also include the Youth Festival, youth training programmes under recreational services, participation at exhibitions (for example participation and training of Drum majorettes for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair among other aspects amounting to US$300 000 for all the programmes).
“The Budget for the 2024 Bulawayo Day and Bulawayo Arts Festival is US$30 000 instead of US$300 000 alluded to in some media reports and this budget includes the cost of venues as Council’s contribution and cross charges across various Municipal Departments,” said Nesisa Mpofu who is the council’s corporate communications manager.
She also said this year’s programme will include a range of exciting activities.
“These include the Bulawayo Day celebrations on the 1st of June 2024 headlined by a Street Carnival, World Bicycle Day Commemorations — Asitshoveni, A Smart Mobility Initiative, and the KoNtuthu Legends Concert. Other festival activities include a Gospel Concert, various workshops such as the Dance workshops, arts economy workshop, and the Inxwala Lecture series,” said Mpofu.
Despite the council doing the most in complementing local talent, creatives somehow believe that this year is the right time for the organisers of the event to be transparent, especially on handling the budget. This comes from the 2021 background of the festival which saw many artistes not being paid their money after performing. Even to date, some are still owed by the council.
B-Metro caught up with a number of local creatives who expressed their views about the upcoming festival and the budget.
Philani Nyoni (PAN)
“I think it will really be nice to see the artistes who worked at the last edition finally getting paid what is due to them.
“I would also like to see a festival that brings out the splendour, beauty and diversity of Bulawayo’s people. Above all, I hope for more than an event but positive engagement and investment that will carry throughout the year and beyond.”
MaForty
“Having a proper budget is something positive for the festival considering its past. If used properly the funds will not only benefit the artists performing or service providers, it will showcase the abundance of talent Bulawayo has and show the richness in culture the city has. Maybe we will also get local companies putting money into the arts sector. Our hope is on proper curating, proper usage of funds and support from the Bulawayo residents.”
Brighton Beefactor
“I think Bulawayo for a very long time needed a festival to celebrate its culture. BAF is a good festival that will promote and celebrate Bulawayo’s culture. It is a time for young artists, school pupils, poets and everyone in art to use this festival to celebrate Bulawayo. However, it is also important for the organisers to be transparent with the funds and be accountable to uBulawayo on the usage of the funds. Otherwise, it’s a great noble idea celebrating Bulawayo.”
Ntando Van Moyo
“We have seen the budget and it’s a noble idea. What is left now is to be told on time about the events, which are also part of the budget so that creatives who wish to be part of these festivities can apply on time and get contracts. The other thing that we need to work on as artists and the council is on normalising paying artistes according to their rate cards. This will improve the artists’ value and improve the quality of the festival.”
Mzoe 7
“I am happy that the council has been playing a great role in making sure local artists get a chance to be part of BAF and now that we have a proper budget, I believe it’s time that the council corrects mistakes from the past and be able to pay artistes on duty. This is where artists find means to live. I believe this year we will meet city fathers and find ways of making sure we work together in the future on a win-win situation.”
Online Reporter