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Tina Musonza

Arts Correspondent

The partnership between European Union and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has already started bearing fruits and will continue to grow as Government is in support of numerous interventions made to showcase and grow the Zimbabwean talent in the arts sector, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Dr Thokozile Chitepo has said. 

This came after EU and NACZ joined hands to celebrate the end of culture month following celebrations that took place in Binga, Chitungwiza and Matobo, among other places, with the national event attracting over 30 000 participants across the country. 

Culture month is observed in May and is aimed at celebrating the different cultures of Zimbabwe. 

Speaking during the Arts and Culture Exhibition which marked the end of the month yesterday, Dr Chitepo said the culture months’ celebrations came as a cocktail of solutions to societal challenges. 

“From the hosting of Culture Month, we believe the nation will take heed of the President’s call to uphold Ubuntu/Unhu to deal with vices and societal challenges that are negatively affecting our youth,” she said. 

“In line with the mantra of the Government of leaving no place and no one behind, a total of nine provincial launches have been hosted in the provinces mimicking the national event.” 

Dr Chitepo said the culture month celebrations were a loophole where the youth escaped the drug and substance abuse pandemic. 

She applauded the partnership between EU and NACZ as bearing fruits in growing the arts sector. 

In his remarks, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jobst Von Kirchman said the partnership was bearing fruits and embracing cultural differences. 

“The EU places great significance on culture. We recognise that appreciating cultural diversity is not only crucial for sustainable development, peace, and social cohesion, but it is also instrumental in understanding our unique identities and embracing our differences, be they economic, political, or social,” said Ambassador Von Kirchmann. He made it clear that this year’s theme “Promoting Diversity, Unity and Peace” resonates well with the EU motto which carries over 20 member states with different cultures but lives in peace and harmony. 

He urged Zimbabweans to secure their passion for art since Zimbabwean arts products flourished in the international market. 

Ambassador Von Kirchmann said culture month celebrations set a peaceful atmosphere and an alarm to promote moral values for upcoming elections. 

“Zimbabwe is drawing closer to elections, and this electoral period presents a prime opportunity to demonstrate political diversity, where Zimbabweans peacefully exercise their choices,” he said. 

He urged all actors in the cultural and art sector to promote the spirit of Ubuntu and utilise skills and innovations to foster tolerance, peace, and unity through various artistic expressions. 

NACZ director Nicholas Moyo said the first edition held at Chitungwiza Arts centre funded by EU was a sign that the arts sector had various talents that can be unlocked.

He said this year was unique in the quest to bring new partners and players in the arts sector.

“Let me acknowledge that 2023 was a completely different year in that the quest to bring in new partners in the work of creative arts is just not what we expected,” said Moyo. 

“The Ambassador of the European Union found it fit without delving into politics he found that people-to-people interactions are important. When we use the arts to talk and encourage our people to relate at different levels there will be much in other owned areas.” 

He applauded EU commitment which came with recently launched culture funds to promote the growth of the sector. 

“We want to celebrate as the National Arts Council and thank the EU for going this far to partner with the Government of Zimbabwe in the area of the creative industry,” said Moyo. 

For the past years, the EU has provided over EUR 5 million to the Culture Sector which has been channelled into the arts sector.