NACZ and NACSA Join Forces to Boost Arts Development

Posted by admin on 2024-09-11 14:54:46 |

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By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA 

In a significant milestone for the arts and culture sector, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Arts Council of South Africa (NACSA).

The partnership, aimed at promoting and developing the arts and culture sectors in both nations, was formalized on September 9, 2024, at the NACSA Head Office in Newtown, Johannesburg.

The agreement marks a key step in enhancing cultural ties between South Africa and Zimbabwe, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation within the cultural landscape.

The MoU signing ceremony saw NACSA's Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Julie Diphofa, welcome NACZ's Executive Director, Mr. Napoleon Nyanhi. This partnership is a pivotal step in fostering collaboration on projects of shared interest, ensuring expanded opportunities for artists across both countries.

The partnership will focus on several key areas, including cultural and creative exchange programs, heritage preservation initiatives, arts education, institutional exchanges, internships, and training, as well as research and development in the arts sector.

Mr. Nyanhi emphasized that the MoU will bolster relations between the two councils, creating reciprocal benefits for Zimbabwean and South African artists. He applauded the sentiments of Ms. Diphofa on the importance of knowledge exchange and mutual learning, particularly in strengthening NACSA's policy framework while supporting NACZ in enhancing its funding model.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, established in 1985, is a government agency meant to foster the understanding and practice of arts, as well as the exhibition of such activities. It works under the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, promoting and adding value to artistic endeavors within the country.

The National Arts Council of South Africa, established in 1997, is the largest Arts & Culture funding agency in South Africa, responsible for serving most of the arts disciplines.

This transformative partnership is expected to yield significant benefits for the arts and culture sectors in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. As the two councils embark on this exciting journey together, they look forward to fostering a vibrant, professional, and sustainable cultural and creative industry by 2030.