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Showbiz Reporter
THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Walter Mzembi, has challenged sculptors to be creative when carving sculptures and artefacts so their works appeal to both local and international markets.
A disappointed Mzembi, who had accompanied a Spanish fashion designer to buy sculptures and artefacts as souvenirs in Harare, got the shock of his life after realising most of the works were archaic.
“Took a drive in Harare with a visitor, Spanish fashion designer – Manuel, who wanted to buy some artefacts and sculptures. . . These products do not quite answer market tastes both domestically and internationally.”
He said artists needed to do away with the old works and follow current trends and affairs in order to come up with products which buyers can appreciate.
“Faces of Africa products alone will not ignite international market interest and do not quite connect anymore, nor are the family ones in a world with soaring divorce rates,” posted Mzembi on his Facebook account.
“Imagine an order of Bhuddas from China, or Jesus Crucifixion Statues from Jerusalem. How about Donald Trumps for export or Hillary Clinton as the USA elections get to fever pitch,” suggested the minister.
While appreciating the talent, Mzembi said there was a lot of dead capital lying around in the country, a value which government needs to unlock.
He added that the artists could benefit more if their wares were affordable as he feels, like most tourism products, the artefacts are overpriced.
“We need as government to unlock this value, which as I advised is overpriced, otherwise it’d be in all our homes.
“All we need is some creative thinking which could unlock value.”
derick.khumalo