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Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
The annual Intwasa Arts Festival that opened early this week is now in full swing with South African artistes such as the Flat Foot Dance Company set to perform at the event.
The performing artistes are coming to Zimbabwe courtesy of Pro Helvetia, the public foundation of Switzerland and Swiss Development Corporation.
Zimbabwean artistes in the likes of Willis Wataffi, Selmor Mtukudzi and Dudu Manhenga will also take part in the six-day event.
Festival director Raisedon Baya said artistes based in Durban are billed to perform in Bulawayo as a result of the cultural exchanges between the two cities.
“Their visit comes at a time when the twinned cities of Bulawayo and Durban are strengthening cultural ties. For years Zimbabwean artistes have been going to Durban for cultural exchanges. This year Bulawayo is hosting them. The festival is running under the theme “Culture Diversity — The Common Heritage of Humanity,” he said.
Baya said they were ready to host a marvellous spectacle and everything is in place for the successful hosting of the event.
“Intwasa is a festival formed with a specific vision of spearheading arts development and marketing Bulawayo as a cultural hub in the country,” he said.
Baya said more than 50 events will take place during the festival at different venues around Bulawayo including the National Art Gallery and Amakhosi Culture Centre.
The celebration will feature more than 300 local artistes who will showcase their talents and more than 20 plays will be staged free of charge, to give the general public an opportunity to be part of the show.
Intwasa Arts Festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Bulawayo through a showcase of music of every kind – jazz and gospel to name a few – as well as through presentations of crafts by local and international artistes, folk life exhibitions, and distinctly local culinary creations.
Though festivals are one way an area can showcase cultural features of a city, which can be a big spin-off for businesses, the Intwasa Arts Festival has done well in strengthening cultural tourism in Bulawayo.
Because of how the festival continues to brand Bulawayo as the hub of the arts, through the unique plays and other arts programmes it has, when you get to the city, you will certainly enjoy its unique food, history, art, and music.
Last year the event was attended by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari, who described the festival as a national event.
Online Reporter