adminI have said this tenfold and ita��s starting to sound like a broken record, but I will say it again and I cana��t promise that this is the last a�� our arts need funding.
And I mean not just from any NGO or jack and Jill, but from Government. Forgive me if I am too emotional when it comes to this because now more than ever I feel something should be done. All this needs to happen via National Arts Council and our parent ministry.
From when I first knew about the National Budget there has never been a time when the arts have been afforded any budgets towards the development of what is a big contributor to GDPa��s of other Countries.
Our arts industry is near dead, but it still lives and is pregnant and ready for labour.
Youth Centres have dwindled in numbers, community halls are now like a yesteryear dream and many other arts groups have suffered from this non-investment in the arts.
Why write about it this week? This coming week starting Monday 26, Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo is supposed to roar to life (more of a meow really). The festival is in its 12th year this year and runs under the theme a�?Expressionsa�?.
Over the past few years the festival has been growing up and up in terms of quality and numbers.
In light of this many a people are probably looking forward to an even better edition but no, the festival will stumble across the 6 days. The past partners have been NGOs, a few corporates who are also feeling the pinch this year and Culture Fund who also have been the backbone of the arts until this year, when they did not make a call for proposals. Many national calendar events either did not happen or where a pale shadow of their usual.
Why do I think NAC and Government should stand up? There is no point in monitoring the arts when nothing is happening. Governing bodies should have something to govern. Ministry should have funds meant for National Arts Council to make sure our arts grow.
Look at nearby South Africa, National Arts council is involved in Festivals, Films and arts projects City Councils work hand in glove with the arts Council to make sure the arts in that country grow. Arts in SA is almost like that of Europe (big business). In Zimbabwe arts is viewed as just entertainment. Until there is a mindset shift in the industry. We are doomed. By the way where is our minister? What plans are there for the next few years?
Anyway thata��s a story for another day. Intwasaa��s flagship the main stage which is usually at the City Hall Car Park will not be there this year because of lack of funding. So what happens to the artistes, service providers and fans alike?
Your guess is as good as mine. The arts need funding. Until next week, be safe . . .
Online Reporter