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Tina Musonza
Arts Correspondent
The European Union (EU) delegation and Culture Fund has announced a grant worth US$748 588 which is expected to boost the creative sector under the Creative Actions project. The grants cover all 10 provinces and two provinces, Harare and Bulawayo, have secured a large percentage of funds which will be disbursed in batches of various project categories.
The funds are expected to benefit 42 exceptional projects classified under bigger and smaller grants as plans to disburse the funds are underway.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst von Kirchmann said the ongoing support for the arts industry was backed by efforts to keep revamping the arts sector.
He expressed his excitement about awarding these grants, stating, “As the European Union, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering Zimbabwean creativity. The projects will not only entertain but create jobs, raise awareness, promote tolerance and preserve Zimbabwean art and culture,” he said.
Culture Fund director Farai Mpfunya said that the Creative Actions project was bearing fruits. “We are delighted to share that the project received a remarkable response during the first Grant cycle, with 248 highly competitive proposals submitted, “said Mpfunya.
He said plans to disburse the funds were underway in 10 provinces in the country.
“Some of the activities to be implemented include the creation of a diverse range of artistic and cultural expressions by artists in Bulawayo, Harare, Masvingo, Bindura, Chinhoyi and other areas, encompassing filmmaking, music, theatre, crafts, fashion, sculpturing, comedy and dance,” said Mpfunya.
Mpfunya said among the projects, included projects that were aimed at revamping livelihoods of people who were vulnerable which include people with disabilities, women and youth for the betterment of the arts sector.
“Some projects will support holding festivals, fairs, exhibitions and awards ceremonies in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Victoria Falls, Matobo, Murehwa and other areas. Projects will also empower creatives (especially women and youth) from Hwange, Binga, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Masvingo, Murehwa, Harare, Bulawayo and other areas on digital technologies, intellectual property rights, accessing new markets and professionalizing their work,” he said
Among the projects that benefited are Advancing Creative Capabilities, Entrepreneurship and Leadership (ACCEL ZW) where US41 984 dollars will be channelled to render support to young groups and creative practitioners that are vulnerable in rural and urban communities.
Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) is another project which seeks to partner with Chinhoyi University of Technology, design department to work with the youth designers to fashion industry trends and technology.
“Vana Vanotamba Television Programme and Women At Crossroads” projects will be funded to address challenges vulnerable people come across and proffer solutions.
Vana Vanotamba Television Programme is a project that aims to benefit people who are vulnerable.
It aims to produce one season – 13-episode televised shows with children and young people. These will be drawn from 3 provinces housing key institutions for children with disabilities.
The projects also include Women at Crossroads: Next Chapter which is an initiative that seeks to host a film festival which promotes gender sensitivity and preferential tolerance around women’s matters.
It aims to enhance production standards through workshops, networking and film(s) showcasing. The festival will foster engagement and dialogue with the audience by providing a safe space for films produced by women to be showcased thereby depicting Afrocentric tales and experiences of women by women.
National Arts Merits Awards(NAMA) also add to the projects. NAMA seeks to explore ways that provide opportunities for publicity and marketing of creatives locally and internationally. It will award talent to celebrate and recognise creative consciousness and excellence.
Mpfunya added that the funds will go a long way in facilitating arts projects promoting different cultures to create cultural diversity in the arts industry.”
“Preservation and promotion of minority cultures of communities such as the San and Ndau as well as promoting accessibility to arts and cultural creations by people with disabilities will also be the focus of some of the awarded projects,” he said
He also added that projects with fewer grant awards would also apply for the ongoing Small Grants Scheme and could also apply next year for the grants.
The list of 42 projects also includes Phenomenal Festival of Lights, The Shoko Pipeline, Celebrating Deaf Culture: A Theatrical Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment Amplifying Deaf Performances Through Trained Interpreters Vic Falls Multi-Cultural Remote Arts Incubation Centre, San Community Organized Rebirth Events among others.
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