adminKumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
An association of arts industry practitioners has been formed with the intention of joining all local artistes in various genres into one collective organisation called the Zimbabwe Arts and Culture Industry Association (ZACIA).The association comprises veteran players in the arts industry with the interim board including Boniface Chimedza (acting president), Charity Dhlodlo (acting vice president) and Vusa Dzimwasha as the acting secretary general.
The aim of the organisation is to promote and protect all artistes in every artistic genre through representation on a national scale on issues including financial remuneration, health and funeral benefits which empower the artistes long after their careers have ended.
Acting president Boniface Chimedza described the initiative as trying to send out a message that all artistes have common goals and needs which need to be addressed with one voice in order to make artistes become more respectable members of the society.
“We the artistes of Zimbabwe are neither a senseless group of segmented clusters nor a bunch of destitute folks extending begging bowls.
“We are actually a talented lot demanding access to opportunities which we rightfully deserve as equal members of society,” he said.
Chimedza described challenges facing the artistes that include lack of logistical support, visibility and appreciation of the artistes’ work and talents as well as support during financially troubled periods.
“Our vision is to have a globally competitive Zimbabwean arts and culture industry by the year 2020, and our mission as ZACIA is to empower the local artiste through access to career opportunities, support, welfare security and career development,” added Chimedza.
The association is currently in negotiations with corporate players to obtain support in critical areas such as health benefits, funeral assistance as well as pension packages which will benefit artistes who have become a laughing stock in the country especially after they retire from their careers due to illness or old age.
Charity Dhlodlo (pictured) is a film and television artiste who has vast experience in theatre as well.She has featured in a number of local productions including Studio 263 and Legacies.
Vusa Ryan Dzimwasha has a rich background in film and television and has featured in many local productions including “Tiriparwendo”. He is the founder member and trustee for Zimbabwe Artists for Hope Trust.
Boniface Chimedza is a seasoned film and television artiste who has starred in various local productions including “Studio 263”, “Fragments”, “Legacies” and “Go Chanaiwa”.
He is also a songwriter and a professional scriptwriter and has written a poem titled “Hail Gabriel” which focuses on the President Mugabe.
ZACIA currently boasts the following institutions as its members: Host of David (Dance Group), Barura Express (Musical Band), Zimbabwe Artists for Hope Trust (Trust), Spoken Stars (Modelling Agency) and Miss United States of Africa Trust (Trust organisation).
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