EU and Culture Fund Grant to Boost Zimbabwe’s Creative Sector
The European Union (EU) delegation and Culture Fund have announced a substantial grant of US$748,588 aimed at strengthening the creative sector through the Creative Actions project.
This funding initiative will cover all 10 provinces, with a significant portion allocated to Harare and Bulawayo.
The funds will be disbursed in batches across various project categories.
A total of 42 outstanding projects have been selected to benefit from these grants, which will be distributed through both larger and smaller grant schemes.
The EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the arts industry and emphasized the commitment to revitalizing this sector.
“As the European Union, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing Zimbabwean creativity.
These projects will not only entertain but also create employment opportunities, raise awareness, promote tolerance, and preserve Zimbabwean art and culture,” stated Ambassador von Kirchmann.
Farai Mpfunya, director of the Culture Fund, hailed the success of the Creative Actions project.
“We are delighted to announce that the project received an exceptional response during the first Grant cycle, with 248 highly competitive proposals submitted,” said Mpfunya.
Plans are currently underway to disburse the funds across the 10 provinces in the country.
Mpfunya elaborated on the activities that will be implemented, including the promotion of diverse artistic and cultural expressions by artists in various regions such as Bulawayo, Harare, Masvingo, Bindura, Chinhoyi, and others.
These activities encompass a wide range of creative endeavors, such as filmmaking, music, theatre, crafts, fashion, sculpturing, comedy, and dance.
Furthermore, Mpfunya emphasized that among the selected projects, there are initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, women, and youth.
These projects will contribute to the advancement of the arts sector.
“Several projects will support the organization of festivals, fairs, exhibitions, and awards ceremonies in key locations such as Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Victoria Falls, Matobo, and Murehwa.
“Moreover, the projects will empower creatives, especially women and youth, from various areas, such as Hwange, Binga, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Masvingo, Murehwa, Harare, and Bulawayo, in terms of digital technologies, intellectual property rights, accessing new markets, and professionalizing their work,” explained Mpfunya.
Notable projects that will benefit from the grants include Advancing Creative Capabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (ACCEL ZW), which will receive US$41,984 to provide support to young groups and vulnerable creative practitioners in both rural and urban communities.
Another project, Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW), plans to collaborate with the design department of Chinhoyi University of Technology to engage youth designers in exploring industry trends and technology.
Other funded projects include “Vana Vanotamba Television Programme” and “Women At Crossroads,” which aim to address challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and offer solutions.
The “Vana Vanotamba Television Programme” aims to produce a 13-episode televised show featuring children and young people. The project will involve participants from three provinces that house key institutions for children with disabilities.
The “Women At Crossroads: Next Chapter” initiative seeks to host a film festival that promotes gender sensitivity and tolerance around women’s issues.
The project aims to enhance production standards through workshops, networking, and showcasing films.
By providing a safe space for films produced by women, the festival aims to foster engagement and dialogue with the audience, portraying Afrocentric tales and women’s experiences by women.
Another noteworthy project is the National Arts Merits Awards (NAMA), which aims to explore opportunities for publicity and marketing of local creatives both domestically and internationally.
This initiative seeks to celebrate and recognize creative consciousness and excellence.
Mpfunya emphasized that these funds will go a long way in facilitating arts projects that promote cultural diversity in the industry.
“Preserving and promoting the minority cultures of communities such as the San and Ndau, as well as ensuring accessibility to arts and cultural creations for people with disabilities, will also be a focus of some of the awarded projects,” he added.
He also mentioned that projects with fewer grant awards will have the opportunity to apply for the ongoing Small Grants Scheme and can also submit applications next year.
The list of 42 projects includes Phenomenal Festival of Lights, The Shoko Pipeline, Celebrating Deaf Culture: A Theatrical Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment, Amplifying Deaf Performances Through Trained Interpreters, Vic Falls Multi-Cultural Remote Arts Incubation Centre, and San Community Organized Rebirth Events, among others.
