Intwasa Arts Festival 2016 dates released

Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
The 12th edition of Intwasa Festival koBulawayo has been scheduled from September 26 up until October 1, 2016.

This is the first time in the history of the festival that the dates for the festival have encroached into October. However, officials have said that this does not take away the fact that Intwasa is a September Festival.

Speaking to Sunday Life, Festival Director Raisedon Baya said the six-day event will run under the theme “expressions”.

“This year we are running under the theme — expressions — particularly the diversity of expression. Emphasis will be on freedom of expression, thought, conscience and creativity,” said Baya.

Baya said there will be usual activities lined up for the festival.

“This is our 12th year and most people now know what to expect and hence we cannot say we have a surprise attack for our audience. There will be activities ranging from dance, music, fashion, film, literary arts, and public speaking among many other things,” said Baya.

Baya further said they are hosting the festival despite the harsh economic condition in the country.

“This year’s edition is obviously going to take place in a very difficult environment in the sense that the economy does not favour the hosting of any big event. Intwasa 2016 will take place, not because the festival has funding but because we believe in doing the festival by any means necessary whether big or small, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Baya was however, not drawn to disclosing foreign artistes that will be performing in one of Bulawayo’s biggest arts episode.

Fifty events are lined up with seven secured venues for the festival that include City Hall car park, Bulawayo Theatre, Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, National Gallery in Bulawayo, Large City Hall, Bulawayo Club and Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo is the second biggest arts event in Zimbabwe after the Harare International Festival of Arts.

It was created in 2005 by local artistes and arts administrators with a vision of leading arts development and marketing Bulawayo as a cultural city.