Schools converge for arts festival in Bulawayo

BULAWAYO will come alive at the end of the month as schools from across the city converge for a two-day Festival of Arts, a celebration of youthful talent, cultural diversity and artistic innovation.

The festival, which will be hosted by Riverdale Academy on July 31 and August 1, is expected to transform the school into a vibrant centre of artistic expression as learners showcase their abilities across a wide range of creative disciplines. Among schools set to participate are Nketa Secondary School, Kyle College, Mpopoma High School, St Augustine, Amaveni Primary School, Rangemore Primary School, Gifford High and Townsend High School. Chief Dakamela will be the guest of honour, while Great Stars Ijongosi, Raza Stix and Rezah Stixx are lined up as guest performers.

Running under the theme “Evolution of Arts”, the festival will explore how artistic expression has evolved, celebrating the fusion of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary creativity.

Organisers hope the event will encourage learners to appreciate traditional art forms while embracing innovation and new ways of storytelling.

The programme features a mix of disciplines, including theatre, visual arts, marimba, poetry and music, providing participants with an opportunity to display their talents, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Audiences can look forward to captivating theatrical productions, colourful visual arts exhibitions, energetic marimba performances, moving poetry recitals and a diverse selection of musical performances that reflect the country’s rich cultural landscape.

Preparations for the festival are at an advanced stage, with organisers expressing confidence that the event will deliver an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

“We’re excited about the level of interest and the opportunity to bring together creative minds from various schools. Preparations are progressing smoothly, and everything is falling into place as planned,” said a representative from Riverdale Academy’s arts department.

To accommodate the packed programme, activities will be spread across four venues within the school grounds, allowing multiple performances and exhibitions to run simultaneously while creating a lively festival atmosphere.

Beyond showcasing student talent, the festival will also provide learners with valuable exposure to the professional creative industry. Established arts practitioners are expected to participate through live performances, presentations and interactive sessions designed to inspire and mentor aspiring young creatives.

Some industry experts will deliver keynote addresses focusing on the growing importance of Zimbabwe’s creative economy and the opportunities available within the arts sector. Others will demonstrate their craft, giving learners a rare chance to interact with professionals and gain first-hand insight into careers in the creative industries.