By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
The Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) are officially returning for their 8th edition on November 8, 2025, to be held at Hall 3 of the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).
The announcement brings renewed hope for the city’s arts community, which had awaited confirmation following last year’s uncertain future. The 2024 awards were postponed due to a combination of financial challenges and limited representation across certain artistic genres.
According to the Orgaisers, the postponement provided an opportunity to broaden participation across diverse art forms, ensuring greater inclusivity in the awards process.
Organisers confirmed that submissions open at 8:00 am today, with entries accepted both online and physically at designated locations. Creative works produced between October 1, 2023, and August 8, 2025, will be eligible for consideration. The submission deadline is September 8, 2025, at 8:00 pm, coinciding with the announcement of the first batch of sponsors.
The awards roadmap includes a nominees reveal on October 8, alongside a nominees’ dinner. This event will also unveil the People’s Choice Award sponsor and a second batch of event sponsors. Organisers are still seeking a sponsor for the ‘anchor award’, which has previously been a housing stand or a car.
The BAA Team has pledged to expand the adjudication process, promoting broader representation and inclusivity across all art forms. In addition, the organisers are exploring new partnerships and sponsorships, aiming to inject fresh energy, new faces, and innovative ideas into the awards ecosystem.
The 2025 edition promises to be a landmark celebration of Zimbabwean artistic excellence, building on the legacy of the 2023 awards, which honoured achievements in music, theatre, film, fashion, comedy, and other creative disciplines.
