By Mkhokheli Zibengwa
As a way of demonstrating their commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem, on July 21, 2024, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) held a full-day training workshop for the City of kings and queens creatives at Cillas Conference Centre in Bulawayo.
The guest of honor at the workshop was the newly appointed NACZ Director, Napoleon Nyanhi, who was accompanied by Barbara Gotore, who is the NACZ Assistant Director of Arts Promotion and Development, NACZ Bulawayo Province management led by Cleopatra Dube and the NACZ National Board and staff members.
"The full-day workshop was well received by the Bulawayo creative sector, where organizations and associations like INTWASA, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Zimbabwe Musicians Union, Native Arts Media, DAB Three Events, Zimbabwe Arts Association, VUTHA BUCIKO BEAFRICA, ZACT, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, and Zimbabwe Professional Models, to mention a few, were in attendance. NACZ staff took turns to touch on various aspects of critical creative knowledge that the sector should know," NACZ Communications Officer Aggabu Nyabinde told Byo Arts News Online (BANO).
Some of the most important things that the creatives were educated about in the workshop include the NACZ registration process and fees, branding, project documentation, finance administration and record-keeping, legal documentation, marketing, and the Creative and Cultural Industry(CCI) management of events and programs.
Speaking to Byo Arts News Online (BANO) after the workshop, NACZ Director Napoleon Nyanhi said:
"As NACZ, we believe that the CCI is an industry with standards. We respect the existing structures that are pushing the sectors toward our shared aspirations. We look forward to consolidated efforts in implementing the NDS1 in order to achieve Vision 2030."
"As NACZ, we are mandated to teach, train, and capacity-build the CCI. I am excited to be meeting the CCI captains in this city, the force behind the achievements being witnessed in the growth of the sector.Please, let's all put our heads up today as we seek to achieve the vision of a vibrant and lucrative creative and cultural industry.," said Nyanhi.
One of the creatives who attended the workshop, Francisco Kampira, who is the founder and director of the Zimbabwe Professional Models Association, said the workshop was instrumental in enhancing their knowledge as artists.
"I applaud the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for organizing a workshop that brings together artists, creatives, and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of the arts sector in Zimbabwe."
"I hope the workshop will facilitate meaningful dialogue, inspire innovation, and yield actionable strategies for promoting Zimbabwean arts locally and internationally. By supporting and empowering models as well, we can unlock the full potential of the creative industry and contribute to the country's cultural and economic development."
©️BANO NEWS
