by artweb

The arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe is set to receive a significant boost with the launch of the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Programme. Spearheaded by the Embassy of Switzerland to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, this initiative will run from 2024 to 2028, providing critical financial and capacity-building support to Zimbabwean creatives.
The SSADZA Programme, launched in Harare in September 2024, is designed to empower creatives, cultural practitioners, and creative enterprises by offering them new opportunities to develop their craft while ensuring long-term sustainability. Central to this initiative is the provision of grant funding to individuals and institutions in the arts sector, fostering the creation of new works, innovative projects, and the growth of Zimbabwe's creative economy.
An advisory board of distinguished members from Zimbabwe’s creative community will guide the programme. The board includes musician Gemma Griffiths, theatre producer Daves Guzha, artist and cultural producer Georgina Maxim, curator Laura Ganda, writer Pettinah Gappah, artist Shalom Kufakwatenzi, comedian Carl Joshua Ncube, filmmaker Toms Brickhill, and cultural leader Nomashkwezi Damasane. Their collective expertise will shape the direction of the SSADZA Programme, ensuring it meets the needs of Zimbabwe's diverse arts community.
Laura Ganda, one of the board members, expressed her excitement about the initiative, saying online, "As a member of the arts community, it is a pleasure to be appointed to the Advisory Board of SSADZA. This appointment is a testament to my dedication and significant contributions to the arts and culture in Zimbabwe. I believe my involvement is expected to play a crucial part in shaping sustainable artistic practices and strengthening cultural institutions across the country."
The SSADZA Programme will also place a strong emphasis on capacity-building. Participants will receive targeted training in financial literacy, project management, and storytelling—equipping them with the skills necessary to effectively manage their projects, share their work, and account for their grant funding. This foundation will not only help creatives manage their current projects but will also enable them to access additional grant funding and smart finance options in the future, enhancing their long-term sustainability.
Rudo Nyangulu-Mungofa of Stimulus Africa expressed her enthusiasm for leading the initiative, stating, “By equipping creatives with the necessary skills, we can help guide them towards delivering impactful and successful projects that not only enrich our cultural landscape but also enhance their livelihoods.”
The SSADZA Programme follows in the footsteps of other Swiss-backed arts initiatives, including the recently concluded Swiss Arts Council/Pro Helvetia ANT Grants, which supported southern African artists such as Wallen Mapondera, who took up a residency in Switzerland. This new initiative underscores the importance of building a vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Zimbabwe, with a focus on empowering local creatives and driving the success and development of the country's arts scene.
By addressing long-standing challenges in resourcing projects and increasing visibility, the SSADZA Programme represents a significant investment in Zimbabwe’s creative future. It will foster innovation and creativity while ensuring that Zimbabwean artists and cultural practitioners have the tools and support they need to thrive. The initiative is poised to not only shape Zimbabwe’s artistic landscape but also contribute to the economic and cultural development of the nation.
As the SSADZA Programme unfolds over the next few years, with the guidance of the Advisory Board, it promises to create a more vibrant, professionalized, and sustainable arts community, enabling Zimbabwean creatives to make a lasting impact both locally and internationally.
For more information please visit the Swiss Embassy website
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