Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE director of the ambitious Ndau Festival of Arts (NDAFA), Phillip Kusasa, is set to return with a wealth of expertise, experience, and valuable lessons from the upcoming Atelier for Young Festival Managers, taking place in San Sebastian, Spain, from March 11 to 17.
Kusasa left Zimbabwe earlier this week for the 23rd edition of the festival, which is expected to provide him with the opportunity to network with fellow festival organisers drawn from across the world, exchange innovative ideas, and gain fresh insights into the latest trends in arts and culture management.
Armed with these new perspectives, Kusasa aims to bring even more creativity and success to the NDAFA, further elevating its impact and reach in the arts community.
The festival which is being organised in partnership with Dferia-Performing Arts and Victoria Eugenia Theatre, will offer a grand opportunity to 35 passionate festival managers drawn from across the globe to meet and exchange notes.
The meeting also aims to explore how arts and culture can be incorporated into these festivals.
Upon learning of his selection for the event last year, Kusasa reached out to individuals and corporates, seeking financial support to help make his dream journey a reality.
“I am truly grateful to the individuals, corporates, and others who offered both financial and emotional support, making it possible for me to embark on this incredible journey.
“ This is a dream come true, and I will forever be thankful for the unwavering support. I have received support from the arts community in Manicaland and across Zimbabwe. Their belief in my vision has been invaluable, and it is thanks to them that I am able to pursue this opportunity. I am excited for what lies ahead and committed to using this experience to uplift and contribute to the growth of the arts in our region and beyond,” he said.
Said the festival organisers in a statement: “The festival aims to create a platform where all voices, contexts, stories, and realities can be heard; to connect as human beings, peer-to-peer, eye-to-eye; to identify what we have in common, rather than what divides us; to recognise our collective pain in turbulent times, resulting from inequalities, conflict, climate threats, social injustice, among other things around the world.
“To experience joy — to celebrate and enjoy our humanity together, and to share, play, learn, listen, engage and relax together.
“To reach a state where we can see our own challenges and context through the eyes of another, to awaken our creative power, curiosity, and radical imagination, inspiring and being inspired — to transform and broaden our perspectives, methods, and habits (how we do things) and our human experience (how we exist).
“To create a long lasting and meaningful festival community of friends who are empowered and have gained tools to act both individually and collectively in response to the main issues of our times; who can set up new collaborations and new models of cooperation together; and who can go back to their context and make positive changes in their festival creation and face their challenges with more courage and strength. To witness and experience dFERIA-Performing Arts Fair and to get to know the sociopolitical and cultural context of the Basque Country and Spain, as well as to connect with festivals, cultural professionals, and artistes from the region.”
By the end of the Atelier, participants will have forged stronger connections with their peers and developed a deeper understanding of the local cultural context of the host city.
They will also have acquired valuable knowledge and skills to enhance the management of their festivals and initiatives, gained insights into various perspectives, and engaged in candid, meaningful discussions on global challenges and the role of festivals.
Online Reporter