Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare
Arts organisation Performing Arts Network for Empowerment Leadership in Zimbabwe (Panelz) last Thursday met with senior officials from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) to discuss measures aimed at advancing the national Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy (CCIS).
Launched in 2020, the CCIS serves as a roadmap for the development and growth of Zimbabwe’s cultural and creative industries. The strategy is anchored on 10 pillars, including: cultural markets and business development, intellectual property, funding and investment, education and training, cultural infrastructure, cultural statistics and research, media and ICT, cultural diplomacy and global business, cultural governance, and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Panelz is driving sector growth through its Policy Advocacy for Creative Empowerment (PACE) project, which seeks to formalise and implement policies that promote ease of doing business within the creative sector.
Speaking on the meeting, Panelz executive chairman Tafadzwa Muzondo said discussions focused on reviewing outcomes from the recent policy dialogue meeting, presenting plans for the PACE project, and charting the way forward for advancing the CCIS and overall arts development.
“The PACE project is supported by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust under CreativeACTIONs 2, funded by the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe. It seeks to formalise and implement a policy framework designed to facilitate business growth within the creative sector,” Muzondo said.
“Through PACE, we aim to accelerate the implementation of the National Cultural & Creative Industries Strategy (2020-2030), which is critical for promoting the development of the arts in Zimbabwe.” – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
