NACZ hails Gwanda SoCreative Sessions workshop

THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in Matabeleland South has hailed a creative economy workshop held in Gwanda on Thursday, saying it is key to professionalising the arts sector in the province.

The workshop, dubbed “SoCreative Sessions Gwanda”, brought together artists, designers, musicians and storytellers for practical training on building sustainable creative businesses.

Presenters included National Gallery of Zimbabwe Bulawayo regional manager Silenkosi Moyo and Magitare Africa Trust creative lead Tariro Chaniwa.

The session ran under the theme “Sustainability, Collaboration and Growth in the Creative Economy” and covered topics such as creative entrepreneurship, branding and marketing, financial sustainability, collaboration and intellectual property.

SoCreative Sessions are interactive workshops aimed at equipping creatives with skills to build viable and profitable careers in the arts industry.

NACZ Matabeleland South provincial arts manager Percy Vela said the initiative is helping to strengthen and formalise the sector.

“As NACZ, we are grateful to be in this partnership workshop as it has shed light on the creative industry. Such information is vital for the sustainability and professionalisation of the arts industry,” said Vela.

“The workshop focused on the creative economy, economic growth, monetisation of arts activities, cultural entrepreneurship, funding opportunities, creation of networks and professionalisation of the industry. We hope these will spread to every district in the province,” he said.

The organisers said the programme is part of broader efforts to grow the creative economy and link artists to opportunities beyond informal practice.