Zimbabwe

Marketing Zimbabwean arts made easy

                     By Martin Chemhere, Harare  chemhere@yahoo.com


_{Marketing Zimbabwe’s cultural arts products and services is now easier following the recent launch of an arts industry directory. The launch in Harare comes as Zimbabwe’s cultural arts industry continues to grow in leaps and bounds, despite economic problems being experienced. This important occasion is one of the many things that are happening regarding the local promotion and international exposure of all artistic disciplines available.
 
The directory which will be available to all those seeking to locate or contact local artists is seen as a vital tool that will lead to the greater exposure of the arts sector especially at a regional and international level. Called Zimbabwe Arts Directory 2006, the publication covers almost all the arts disciplines found in Zimbabwe and is seen as a vital tool in the establishment of the country’s cultural sectors. While it comes at a time when a wide range of Zimbabwe’s cultural activities are witnessing a steady growth, it is also viewed as one of the missing links between the country’s artists and the outside world.
 
Now the regional and international contracts seeking to locate or communicate with Zimbabwean artists will have it easy. Coming with a total of 85 pages, it is published by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, with its research and publication being funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The publication will be upgraded and published regularly as the arts industry grows to make it more comprehensive.
 
Stephen Rylander, Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe commented in the foreword:
‘The publication of the arts directory provides a reference point for artists and consumer of cultural products. The directory is a marketing tool for the industry as it provides a wide range of contacts for those who seek knowledge on the arts in the country.
 
He said that the arts and cultural industries thrive on a solid information base that is easily accessible.
 
The directory encompasses the whole arts and culture sector covering contacts of arts associations, institutions, prominent artists and art education centers. Sectors included are music, dance, film and television, theatre, literary and visual arts. It also provides information on arts education institutions available in the country thereby making it easier for information seekers interested in arts related studies.
 
In a country like Zimbabwe imbued with diverse and classical art products and services the publication of such a vital and strategic information look for the arts industry was long overdue. The directory will significantly help in the development the arts in Zimbabwe as it will facilitate national links, creative partnership amongst stakeholders, project development and artistic exchange amongst all parties involved. This will effectively enhance the standards of Zimbabwean arts, as all stakeholders work collaboratively in making the best come out of Zimbabwean skill and talent.
 
“This directory should also make communication amongst artists, arts organizations, promoters and service providers effective, as it is a comprehensive database encompassing all the six arts disciplines of music, literary arts, visual arts, dance, theatre and film and television”, said National Arts Council director Titus Chipangura. “It is our hope that through the use of this directory Zimbabwean art will reach the highest levels of the finest works produced globally. … will help cultivate a strong cultural relationship that will in turn give birth to the growth of the arts industry in Zimbabwe”, he said.
 
He said that there was a “need for continuous updating of the information therein to ensure that the public is given up to date and accurate details so that their contribution to the development of arts is not hindered because of lack of required information”. The publication came into being after the National Arts Council of zimbabwe had realized the need to compile a resource that reflects the coming of age of the local arts and culture industry. The Zimbabwean arts and culture industry has shown tremendous potential to contribute towards the country’s general economic development and witnessed a steady growth in the past few years.
 
The publication is also a celebration of a significant step in a journey towards the establishment of a fully-fledged arts industry, which will encompass and exploit the abundance of natural talent and creativity at the very core of the Zimbabwean arts and culture sector.}