Zimbojam.com
17 February 2010
Leading arts figures from around Zimbabwe will tomorrow gather for an arts & culture indaba in Harare. The indaba, organised by the British Council, the Culture Fund, UNESCO and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe will start with a keynote speech by Senator David Coltart, Minister of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture.
The indaba, to span two days, will look at topics such as; National Policy on Arts & Culture, Amendment of the NACZ 1985 Act and what it means for the Creative Industries, The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Promotion and Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions – Implications for Zimbabwe, Creative Industries – What Contribution to GDP?, Intellectual Property, and, Constitutional Reform.
One topic that will definitely be of direct personal interest to many artists will be tackled on Friday and will ask the question: “Is the Culture Fund a working model?â€
The high profile list of speakers for the indaba includes Professor Gordon Chavunduka, Albert Chimedza, Elvas Mari, Pathisa Nyathi, Albert Nyathi, Angeline Kamba, Dudu Manhenga, Ignatius Mabasa, Nicholas Moyo, Hon. P. Mangwana, Hon. D. Mwonzora, Hon. Mukhosi, Tsitsi Dangarembga, Maretha Dube, Farai Mpfunya, Jasen Mphepo, Chris Timbe, Serman Chavula, Angela Kyle, Polisile Ncube, Willie Mushayi, Nkululeko Dube, Andrew Firming, Chirikure Chirikure and Paul Gudgin.
According to Rumbi Katedza, the organising secretary of the event, the Indaba was scheduled to coincide with the 9th edition of the National Art Merit Awards which takes place on Saturday 20th February.
The Zimbo Jam will be blogging live from the Indaba. Feedback from our blogs, Twitter and Facebook posts will be relayed back to the indaba during the sessions so that participants can get input from a wider audience.