BY SHARON SIBINDI
KUNZWANA TRUST has said it was pleased with the progress of its Arts Factory project which ran throughout the country supported by the Creative Actions programme under Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe.
According to the trust’s report, the Arts Factory project which ran from July to November 2021 provided skills and vital support to 59 beneficiaries including musicians, poets, comedians, scriptwriters, filmmakers, writers, editors, studios, festivals and venues.
“The Arts Factory reports a boost to the creative industry. Beyond Harare and Bulawayo, the project reached as far as south-east Chipinge and north-west of Binga.”
“The services rendered provided a ray of hope at a time when Zimbabwean artistes already struggling for economic hardships, crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic needed to envision, plan and prepare for a post-COVID-19 recovery,” the report read in part.
The report further states that 56% of beneficiaries were women and 52% of all actions were outside Harare.
“Eight benefited towards increased exposure, 13 beneficiaries provided access to technical support,18 beneficiaries of two training workshops enhanced their digital knowledge and skills while 20 were technical service providers,” the report read.
The trust said it was gratified to know that the work has been of value from the positive feedback it got from artists.
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Some of the artists who were part of the project said it was an eye-opener to be part of the initiative.
“I learnt the importance of professionalism in the presentation of who I am through this project. Putting together the work I have done over the years in an orderly manner and fashion speaks to potential employers in this digital era,” Getrude Munhamo said.
“I have also come to share with others and also encourage them to have bios as I have seen their importance when it comes to work and presenting one professionally.”
Lloyd Munhanga said: “I was able to make an entry for the Netflix Grow-Creative competition for young filmmakers. To enter I needed two short films, but I had only one, so without the grant I got from Arts Factory to make the second one, I would not have been eligible.”
“Even though there has been no feedback yet, just the fact that I was able to apply is a learning curve and a big achievement. So, I am very grateful for the assistance I got from the Arts Factory.”
Seasoned musician Dudu Manhenga said she was excited to have launched two books under the project.
“I would like to say thank you for a good season of working together. I am really grateful for the work they (Arts Factory) is doing for me and other artists,” she said.
- Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon
