RENOWNED sculptor and arts promoter, Newman Chiadzwa says he is devoted to developing the local arts sector, hence, he is investing in the building of the Zimbabwe Talent Development Village in Mabvuku.
BY ARTS REPOTER
Through this arts centre, that can also be used for weddings and conferencing, Chiadzwa said he seeks to identify, nurture and promote artists from marginalised communities across all the art disciplines.
“Zimbabwe has abundant artistic talent and with this art village, we want to expose that unknown talent to the world. Mabvuku is home to famous and internationally acclaimed artists, among them Joseph Ndandarika and Dominic Benhura, but there was no place to promote and market artefacts, hence, my dream to establish this art centre, which is open to both upcoming and seasoned artists,” he said.
“The establishment of this arts centre will benefit artists across all genres, be it music, stone work and painting, among other art disciplines that promote our culture. I acquired this 10 acres of land in 2013 and I developed it, trying not to disturb or distort nature for future generations to have one of the best arts centres in the country.”
Chiadzwa, who has been in the arts industry for over two decades and held top positions at some of the top galleries, among them the Ambassador Art Gallery and Gallery Africa, said his vision was to develop the place to be one of the biggest arts centres in Zimbabwe that will help to develop local artists and the sector at large.
“The centre is not only for Mabvuku-based artists, it is open to everyone and has facilities for theatre productions, dancing and instrument, with plans to have more facilities that can even host international projects like cultural exchange programmes,” he said.
Chiadzwa said in the past, he organised art exhibitions in the United States, China, Australia, German and Italy for the benefit of Zimbabwean artists.
