Chronicle Editor
Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected]
Celebrated local chef and artiste, Carl Joshua Ncube, has said he has applied for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) director’s job.
The arts governing body this week invited creative minds to send in applications to fill in the posts of director as well as communication and marketing manager. This was following the elevation of Nicholas Moyo to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture from the directorship in October last year.
Ncube disclosed on social media that it was his wife, Nelsy, who motivated him to pursue this position. He humorously acknowledged the widespread attention his announcement has generated, sharing that he has been actively engaged in discussions across various platforms regarding his plans if appointed as the director of the NACZ.
Ncube unveiled a 10-point strategy designed to foster and elevate the arts sector in Zimbabwe. The proposed strategy encompasses various initiatives and reforms with the potential to revolutionise the country’s artistic landscape.
Key points highlighted in his proposal include the establishment of an Entertainment Bank, an International Mobility Fund, Annual Residencies, Facilities Upgrade, National Arts Hubs, Identification, Incubation, Implementation, Arts Conference and Expo, Content Platform, Annual Ambassador Training, and Arts Pension Fund.
“The idea is to establish an Entertainment Bank to provide financial resources to artistes and art organisations, enabling them to produce and promote their work effectively,” he explained.
Another significant aspect of Ncube’s strategy involves the creation of an International Mobility Fund. This fund would facilitate opportunities for artistes to engage in international collaborations, exchanges and performances, thereby expanding their reach and exposure on a global scale.
Annual Residencies, according to Ncube, would provide artistes with dedicated time and space to create and experiment, while the Facilities Upgrade initiative aims to improve existing arts infrastructure across the country, ensuring artistes have access to modern and well-equipped facilities.
Ncube emphasised that National Arts Hubs would serve as creative spaces where artistes can network, collaborate and showcase their work.
“Our National Arts Council office should be a hub and collaborative space with administrators and artistes alike,” read the Facebook post.
The Identification, Incubation, and Implementation programmes will aim to identify and nurture emerging talent, providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed. The proposed Arts Conference and Expo would bring together artistes, industry professionals and stakeholders to discuss and explore opportunities for growth and development within the sector.
The Content Platform initiative will seek to create a centralised platform for artistes to showcase and distribute their work, reaching a wider audience.
According to Ncube, an Annual Ambassador Training programme will equip artistes with the necessary skills and knowledge to represent Zimbabwe’s arts sector on an international stage.
The Arts Pension Fund aims to provide financial security and support for artistes during their retirement years.
“Introduce a scheme where the first three ticket sales from arts and cultural events contribute to an Arts Pension fund, ensuring financial stability for artistes during retirement and incentivising future generations to pursue careers in the arts,” he said.
– @TashaMutsiba
Online Reporter