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Entertainment Repoter
The preparations for the 14th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards scheduled for 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale on February 14 are under way.This year’s edition runs under the theme “Pride of Zimbabwe” and the organisers have said they are aiming to celebrate pride in the versatility and diversity of the local arts sector.

Speaking on the progress Cathrine Mthombeni, Nama’s communications and marketing officer said 35 awards will be awarded in the nine categories.

“These are music, literary, dance, visual, film and television, theatre, media and spoken word awards. Moreover, the intention also is to empower the artistes as individuals and as artistes to take pride in their works that not only reflect on their creativity but also reward those who helped shape and define Zimbabweans and give them a collective identity through artworks that are proudly made in Zimbabwe.

“Meanwhile, the adjudication process is being finalised and nominees will be unveiled next week,” she said.

“Two Seminars are being organised by NAMA events managers AB Communications and sponsored by Stop to Start International. The two seminars will be held in Harare and Bulawayo on Wednesday January 28 and February 2 respectively. The Seminars will focus on mind-set transformation, personal vision, mission and values, fundamentals of strategic thinking, personal effectiveness assessment areas and personal strategy formulation,” she said.

NAMA is a platform where National Arts Council of Zimbabwe recognises excellence in creativity and talent.

The major aim of the awards is to stimulate artistic creativity and originality. They also seek to inspire artistes to strive for higher and original forms of creativity and provide an opportunity for arts disciplines to jointly market and publicise the arts locally, regionally and internationally.