Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
In a major boost for Zimbabwe’s creative sector, Nhimbe Trust has received a US$25 000 grant under the CreativeACTIONs 2 programme of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, funded by the European union (EU).
The grant will support a three-month initiative titled “Creative Civil Society for Inclusive Cultural Policy and Rights Advocacy in Zimbabwe”, aimed at ensuring that artistes, cultural practitioners, and marginalised groups play an active role in shaping national cultural policies.
According to Nhimbe Trust director Josh Nyapimbi, the project seeks to strengthen the participation of creative civil society in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) by amplifying cultural voices and safeguarding artistic rights.
“This project is about mobilising creative civil society to engage meaningfully in national processes. We want cultural voices, particularly from women, youths, and creatives living with disabilities, to be represented in policy-making and implementation,” said Nyapimbi.
The CreativeACTIONs 2 (2023–2025) programme builds on the successes of its predecessor, CreativeACTIONs 1 (2020–2021), which enhanced capacity development, artistic innovation, and resilience in the post-Covid-19 creative ecosystem.
Nyapimbi said this next phase is designed to respond to the growing challenges of digitalisation and the need for stronger governance structures within the creative sector.
“Many creatives struggle to adapt to the demands of the digital age. This programme will strengthen their skills in digital production, marketing, networking and arts education. More importantly, it will empower them to take part in policy dialogue and advocacy, shaping an enabling environment for the arts and cultural industries,” he said.
To ensure broad participation, Nhimbe Trust will host a series of stakeholder meetings in Bulawayo and Harare, bringing together artistes, cultural organisations, and government departments to exchange ideas and develop practical policy frameworks.
The discussions will involve representatives from key ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. Collaboration will also extend to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Council of Chiefs, who will provide traditional and cultural insights.
