Normal is not coming back soon for artistes

THIS past week Cabinet officially relaxed lockdown level 4 restrictions to allow for schools, gymnasiums and theatres to open. It also allowed for restaurants to have sit ins. The only thing that remains unclear is the ending or relaxations of the curfew. I know for sure theatres will not do well with only afternoon shows. Theatres will only be sustainable if allowed to operate at night – this is when people need to relax and be entertained. But again, I jump the gun.

I have seen several headlines saying the arts sector and artists are excited about the relaxation of lockdown rules and that soon it will be business as usual for all. That is not entirely true.

Remember the sector has been closed for over 16 months. There is nowhere it is going to be business as usual in the sector a week or month after the lifting of lockdown rules. This is because there is a lot to consider, a lot the sector needs to deal with first.

For example, before jump starting the sector there is need to critical assess the proper damage brought about by the pandemic and its lockdowns. How did it affect artists? How did it affect creativity itself? How did it affect organisations and structures within the sector – of course things are not the same as before Covid 19.

How did the pandemic affect the performances spaces and platforms that hosted arts events and artists before? How were the audiences affected? It is only when we have taken full stock of these that a proper strategy can be made.
And everyone needs to know that re-setting the sector will not be a one-week event. It will take time and a lot of resources.

The biggest assumption is that artists have been waiting with their products and that they just needed the sector to open for them to prosper. This is not true. In fact, very few artists have products to offer now.

Some performers have even forgotten their performances. Others have even left the sector. So, there is need to start creating new and exciting work for exhibition and for selling. Audiences haven’t been waiting too. For 16 months they have obviously found other ways and avenues for entertainment from the comfort of their homes. It will be a job and a half to get them back or to find new audiences for artists. So, no one should expect miracles. There is need for patience.

A lot of it. The sector also needs resources to re-build. Maybe this is time to create that national arts fund after all. An arts fund that will be run on principle and not on emotions.

So yes, artists are happy about the relaxation of the lockdown.

They would be much happier if everything went back to normal. But after almost two years of masking, sanitisation, social distancing and countless lockdowns what is the normal now? Will we ever go back to before Covid-19? Or what is now known as Covid-19 condition is now our new normal.

What would really be exciting would be, news that after opening the sector government will be supporting artists get on their feet through a national arts fund. Or something similar.

On a different note, the month of September is here. We all know September is Spring time. It is also Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo time.

The good news is that it coming at a time after the lockdown relaxation meaning it now very possible to have a hybrid event. So, festival lovers must brace themselves for a couple of physical activities.