Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
Iyasa founder and director Nkululeko Dube says he is excited to be part of the KUZANA Sport and Creative Economy Expo Zimbabwe (SCEEZ), describing the event as an important platform for demonstrating the economic value of the creative sector.
The inaugural exhibition, which started on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo, is expected to run until Sunday.
Dube said the expo provides creatives with an opportunity to move beyond showcasing talent and demonstrate how the sector can contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“We are proud to be here at the KUZANA Expo. It is a momentous occasion and an important event for our city, Bulawayo. It is rare to have events where creativity is recognised as an economy, bringing together creatives to showcase their work, share ideas and demonstrate the business side of the creative sector,” he said.
Dube said the event is helpful in changing the perceptions about the creative industry, which is often viewed mainly from an entertainment perspective.
“People are accustomed to watching performances and seeing artistes display their talents, but here we are saying we need to move from talent to GDP. We want to demonstrate how crucial the creative economy is to the country’s GDP,” he said.
For Iyasa, the exhibition comes at a significant time as the arts group celebrates 25 years since its establishment.
Dube said the group’s presence at the expo has also allowed them to reconnect with people who have followed their journey over the years while introducing their work and history to younger generations.
“For IYASA, as we celebrate 25 years of existence, this is a particularly significant occasion. We are delighted to see young people visiting our stand and connecting with the history and work of IYASA.
“We have also had people from different generations coming through, and it has been wonderful to see memories being relived. We are excited and grateful to be part of this occasion,” he said.
The KUZANA SCEEZ brings together players from the sporting and creative industries, providing a platform for exhibitors to showcase their work, network and explore opportunities within the creative economy.
The expo is part of efforts to position sport and creative industries as contributors to Zimbabwe’s economic development, while creating opportunities for young people and industry practitioners.
For Iyasa, one of Bulawayo’s long-standing cultural groups, participation at the expo has also provided an opportunity to showcase its three-decade journey while engaging directly with audiences about the business side of the arts.
