Bigger allocation for Culture Fund

Tina Musonza Arts Correspondent

Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and European Union (EU) delegation has announced additional funds worth US$49 264 under Creative Actions Project 2 to facilitate innovative artistic projects as Zimbabwe continues to grow the arts sector to keep abreast of global advancements.

The announcement follows 42 other projects that were awarded US$748 588 in June 2023 which are in the early stages of implementing their activities. In a statement yesterday, the EU and Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust said the newly announced funds aimed to facilitate the ongoing applications of art projects proposals.

“CreativeACTIONs2 aims at complementing national development priorities by funding innovative artistic and cultural expressions, empowering civil society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and providing training and skills development programmes for arts and culture practitioners.

“As part of this ongoing endeavour, the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the EU Delegation has earmarked the next cycle of small grants funding, expected to occur between October and November 2023. Interested applicants are invited to access and download application forms directly from the Culture Fund,” said.

The statement stated five projects expected to benefit funds through a transparent disbursement.

The projects under Creative Arts Project 2 include Intercultural Dialogues: Bringing Popular Folklores to Life in Zimbabwean Sign Language with US$10 000 allocated to facilitate the project.

Another project Supporting young female cinematographers and editors in the Zimbabwe film sector is a project from a young female cinematographer building her career in film production and training and it focuses on building space for young filmmakers which was allocated US$9 515.

Other projects include Enhancing Social Inclusion of Young People with Disability in Mutare District through Digital Audio-Visual Media, The Reading Time Series, and Basket Weaving Capacity Building.

Through the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, the EU has committed €2 060 500 over 36 months to the CreativeACTIONs2 project.

The project was launched in January 2023, focusing on nurturing and empowering Zimbabwean artists and cultural practitioners across a spectrum of disciplines, encompassing music, dance, theatre, literary arts, and fashion.