This year’s Culture Week started on an eventful note with arts groups from the Midlands and surrounding areas spicing the national official launch of the week at Gweru Civic Centre with exciting performances.
Although the attendance was below expectations, artists and administrators took time to share important information and ideas on the first day of the eight-day celebrations that end on Saturday.
Among the speakers at the launch was principal director in the Ministry of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture Reverend Paul Damasane.
Damasane encouraged artists to register their projects and activities and pay tax like any other institutions.
“Artists should allow the government to tax them first if they want support and that can be done if they register with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe,” declared Damasane.
He was responding to artists’ call for funding from the government and the corporate world.
Running under the theme “Towards Professionalising the Arts”, the countrywide cultural celebrations are now in full swing.
In Mashonaland Central, the first day of celebrations saw a talent search competition which was organised by reigning Miss Mashonaland Central, Ayeta Sesemani Banda, taking place at Tendai Hall in Bindura.
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Bulawayo Province started the week on a gospel note through a “Cultural Sunday” organised by the Gospel Musicians Association at Jesus Life International Church.
The official provincial launch is slated for Mzilikazi Youth Centre on Thursday.
In Mashonaland West the celebrations began with a fashion and craft exhibition that was spiced up by mbira music at Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.
Mutorashanga Stadium hosts the official provincial launch on Thursday.
Harare hosted the official provincial launch yesterday with the opening of a sculpture exhibition at the Town House.
On Tuesday, the celebrations continue in Mufakose at Rutendo Hall where there will be a traditional dance fiesta. Common arts activities across the provinces are music performances and visual exhibitions.
There are also numerous dance, theatre and poetry activities in many district venues while a unique pageant dubbed “Miss Culture” takes place at Lupane Council hall in Matabeleland North on Saturday.
