By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
The Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs) has announced the key dates for its ninth edition, officially setting the stage for another celebration of talent and creative excellence in Bulawayo and the wider Matabeleland region.
The awards organisers confirmed that nominations for the 2026 edition opened on 22 September and will remain open until 22 October, giving artists, creatives, industry practitioners and members of the public an opportunity to nominate outstanding work and talent.
The ninth edition recognises creative works produced between 8 August 2025 and 21 September 2026, with nominations being accepted both physically and online.
Following the close of nominations, the nominees will be revealed on 6 November, ahead of the Nominees Dinner on 21 November. The awards season will culminate in the main ceremony on 28 November 2026.
Since its inaugural ceremony in 2017, the BAAs have grown into a significant fixture on Bulawayo's cultural calendar, providing a platform for recognising individuals, productions and creative ideas shaping the region's arts industry.
Over the years, the awards have expanded alongside the creative sector, with categories reflecting an increasingly diverse industry spanning music, theatre, dance, literature, fashion, film, journalism, radio, online media and digital content.
