Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ARTS organisation Chenhaka Trust has committed to fully putting in place its vision of driving both marginalised and urban communities through transforming and developing them through different disciplines within the creative arts scene.
Chenhaka Trust is emboldened by the Shona name Chenhaka, which loosely translates to “Preserve Our Heritage,” and they are dedicated to maintaining and protecting the country’s heritage through different programmes they will be rolling out in the year.
The trust recently held a National Indaba Policy Dialogue that was attended by cultural professionals from all provinces of Zimbabwe, members of the private sector, and cultural funders, including the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe.
The organisation’s executive director Taurai Moyo said they are guided by the spirit of safeguarding our past, while actively shaping the future based on the means and needs of protecting our culture and heritage.
“We work tirelessly to empower our Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) through arts education, business management training, and digital literacy. We also advocate for youth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, using creative platforms to raise critical awareness.
“Our goal is to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring it remains a source of pride and economic empowerment.
“The dialogue we recently held offered an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that the creative sector is not an afterthought, but a central pillar of our national policy framework.
“We aim to advocate for increased public investment in arts and culture, policies that protect artistes’ intellectual property and ensure fair distribution of digital revenue, and the integration of culture and living heritage into our education and development planning,” said Moyo.
He said the indaba was a moment of truth where they moved beyond rhetoric to a genuine, transparent, and accountable partnership.
“As we deliberated with different stakeholders that we will be working closely with, I am happy to have heard their voices and views, from policymakers to the grassroots artistes and community leaders, as their contribution will guide our operations.
“Everyone recognised that the challenges facing our sector can only be solved when we work in unison, hence, we will achieve all this if we work in unity,” said Moyo. — Follow on X :@mthabisi_mthire
