Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has included fashion as a new category in the upcoming National Arts Merit Awards.
This strategic move highlights NACZ’s commitment to recognising the diverse and evolving landscape of creative expression in Zimbabwe.
Last year, after vigorous consultations, NACZ engaged twelve fashion houses and industry associations to discuss integrating fashion as an art-business sector.
This dialogue yielded valuable insights and set the stage for formal inclusion of this sector.
Additional engagements earlier this year, including virtual sessions led by chief executive Napoleon Nyanhi, deepened discussions on the challenges and frameworks for recognising fashion.
“Fashion serves as a powerful form of artistic expression, intertwining creativity, culture and entrepreneurship,” said Nyanhi.
“By recognising fashion within NAMA, NACZ aims to elevate this discipline and reinforce the vital role of designers and stylists in Zimbabwe’s cultural narrative.”
He said NACZ will collaborate with fashion experts to establish nomination guidelines and adjudication standards for the new category.
“The fashion award category will open for submissions in the NAMA 2026 cycle, with calls for entries already initiated for the 24th edition.
“Further consultations will ensure the category reflects the diversity of Zimbabwe’s fashion industry.
“On July 7, 2025, NACZ hosted a pivotal virtual session with leading fashion designers to discuss the integration of a Fashion category in NAMA.
“The objective of this meeting was to explore the feasibility and structure of the new category, ensuring it captures the artistic merit of Zimbabwe’s fashion industry.”
Designers, stylists and NACZ officials participated in crafting a meaningful recognition framework, discussing potential award criteria, category structuring and alignment with NACZ’s standards of excellence.
“As the custodian of Zimbabwe’s arts sector, NACZ is committed to celebrating emerging creative disciplines.
“Our dialogue with creatives lays the foundation for fashion’s formal elevation within NAMA.”
Meanwhile, NACZ will draft guidelines and nomination protocols in partnership with fashion stakeholders.
Additional industry engagement will ensure diverse voices are heard across Zimbabwe’s fashion landscape.
A dedicated fashion steering committee will be formed to oversee the new category.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in recognising and celebrating the vibrant fashion culture in Zimbabwe.
Mathew Masinge