NACZ hosts inaugural Culture Imbizo and Exhibition Cradle
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Nature’s Cradle will on May 18, 2022 host the first Culture Imbizo and Exhibition Cradle as part of the on-going Culture Month commemorations, hosted in May every year.
The event, to be held at Harare’s Cresta Lodge, will run under the theme Celebrating Cultural Diversity, Leaving no one behind.
In a statement, NACZ spokesperson Rodney Ruwende said: “The Culture Imbizo is designed to provide a platform for gathering, meeting and dialogue where creative industry practitioners will meet business executives to engage in conversation and networking.
“Discussions will seek to align the culture sector and transform the country’s creative industry into an economic driver. Key outcomes of this inaugural Imbizo include rejuvenated and informed policy reformation, systems change, and the creation of new structures that will align and reinforce collaboration between business, government and the CCI (Creative Cultural Industries) sector, he said.
Nine influential business and creative sector speakers will headline the discussions at the Imbizo.
These include Russell Mavudzi (Music Management Forum of Zimbabwe), Godfrey Koti (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority), Masimba Kuchera (Inclusive consultant), Sekai Kuvarika (Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries), Nigel Chanakira (SMI), and Phillipa Phillips (Phillips Law).
Ruwende added: “The Imbizo will also feature performances by award-winning South Africabased Zimbabwean artist Bekezela, Imbube group Amaqaqa and a curated set by a high school band churning out old songs from the 1980s.
“The Exhibition Cradle will showcase Zimbabwean CCI sector products, with some regional countries are also expected to showcase their products in line with the theme of the event. The exhibition will showcase traditional cuisines, traditional music instruments, traditional tools and equipment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the second Week of Culture Month is in full swing with district launches taking place in Gokwe South, Gweru, Zvishavane, Mberengwa and Shurugwi. A cultural cooking competition will be held at the Gwanda Culture Village.