NAMA Set for a Revamp: Exciting Changes and Developments Ahead of 23rd Edition

Posted by admin on 2024-08-23 14:29:44 | Last Updated by admin on 2025-10-29 22:33:07

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By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA 

BULAWAYO- THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) yesterday hosted a press conference to share updates on the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), the country's premier arts awards ceremony. Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi, Executive Director of NACZ, addressed the media, outlining the council's commitment to excellence, transparency, and the elevation of Zimbabwe's arts sector.

Nyanhi emphasized the importance of NAMA in recognizing and celebrating outstanding achievements in the arts, driving growth, and innovation in the sector. He highlighted the government's national vision to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, with the arts sector playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Among the updates shared was the revamping of the NACZ website, set to launch on September 1, 2024, which will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council's mandate. The website will feature exciting new features that will benefit the arts sector.

Nyanhi also expressed gratitude to Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation for their service as NAMA event managers, whose tenure will come to an end with the upcoming edition. A call for expression of interest for a new events manager will be published soon.

The NACZ embarked on a nationwide consultative mission in 2022 to gather feedback from the sector on the effectiveness of NAMA. This process led to changes in the awards categories and adjudication processes, including the separation of roles to ensure transparency and fairness. An independent panel of adjudicators will select winners, and individual and institutional monitors, including radio and television stations, will work closely with NACZ.

Submissions for the 23rd edition of NAMA are now open, with the deadline set for November 30, 2024. The awards will consider works produced from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. Entry is open to Zimbabwean nationals or those with resident status only.

Notable changes to the awards categories include the addition of three new awards in the Visual Arts category, recognition of the role of playwrights in Theatre Awards, and the addition of a Non-Fiction Book category in Literary Arts Awards. The full list of awards categories can be found on the NACZ website.

In conclusion, Nyanhi urged creatives to take note of the changes and updates, and to submit their applications for the 23rd edition of NAMA. With the enhancements in place, NAMA is set to be an even more prestigious and exciting celebration of Zimbabwean arts and culture.