National Arts Council of Zimbabwe appoints new director

The NACZ board said the appointment was based on a performance contract and would last until 31 July 2023.

“This appointment is being made after completion of due processes in terms of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31) and the NACZ Act (Chapter 25:07)," NACZ board chairperson Prof Herbert Chimhundu said. "The selection process, which was open and highly competitive, started in May 2018 and was concluded recently.

“The board congratulates Moyo on his appointment and urges the arts fraternity and all stakeholders of the NACZ to support him in this position as deliberate efforts are being made to revamp the council and to transform it into a viable, vibrant and visible organisation, which will build on previous successes and assume a catalytic role in the development of the creative and cultural industries in Zimbabwe."

Chimhundu said he was expected to lead the body's management team and to galvanise support for the NACZ's 2018-22 strategic plan and its implementation.

“The main thrust in this strategic plan is to transform the arts council into a net revenue generator and financial contributor, not only to the development of the arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe but also to employment generation and GDP,” he said.

“Among other things, this will entail reviewing the legal framework of the council, adopting a business strategy and securing partnerships, rebranding and marketing, reviving the arts development fund to support artists and affiliate organisations, sector engagement at all levels, as well as establishing and utilising effective national and international networks for the purposes of marketing and growing the arts for the benefit of practitioners and consumers.”

Moyo joined the NACZ as the provincial arts administrator for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North in 2000. He rose to the level of assistant director of arts promotion and development in December 2006. Thereafter, he was appointed NACZ deputy director, a position he has held for the past seven years.

Moyo has a master in business management and a bachelor of arts in media studies degree. Some of his professional training includes a certificate in arts management from DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and a diploma in theatre for development from the Zimbabwe Association of Community Theatre. He was a part-time tutor in arts management at the University of Zimbabwe from 2013 to 2014. Moyo has 26 years of continuous experience in arts management with 12 years at senior management level.

He was also the founding director of Intwasa Arts Festival where he was a key consultant in the establishment of several provincial and district festivals. In addition, he was a consultant for the rebranding of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation from 2000 to 2002. His artistic achievements embrace music, film, theatre, spoken word and dance.

“Over the years, he has demonstrated strengths in leadership, team building and general management, programme management, project planning and management, financial management, organisational development, strategic planning and review,” Chimhundu said.

“Given his extensive experience in arts management and intimate knowledge of the arts sector, the council and its national responsibilities from the grassroots level, as well as the operational environment, the board is satisfied that the new director has the required balance of attributes for the big challenge that lies ahead.”