Zim, Zambia councils cement cultural relations

This was the second meeting between the two entities following a joint technical committee gathering in Kariba, Zimbabwe, in August 2016.

The meeting, which is a fulfilment of the provisions set out in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two councils, was meant to reinforce operations in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“The purpose of the meeting was and remains that of promoting mutual beneficial cooperation in the field of arts,” National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) director Elvas Mari told Music In Africa after Monday’s meeting.

“The two arts councils are desirous to consolidate and strengthen ties of friendship through the creative sector.”

Commenting on the agenda at the meeting, Mari, who has been at the helm of the NACZ since 2009, said the two councils set a roadmap for next year.

“The two parties agreed to consolidate existing programmes within the given capacity of each council,” he said.

“The operational plans of the two organisations for 2018 were discussed and a programme each in the literary arts, dance and visual arts sub-sectors will be pursued with an open mind and flexibility for other disciplines to be taken on board.”

Mari said a number of successful activities had materialised since the beginning of the exchange between the two countries.

“There has been significant exchange of information across the board and Zimbabwe has on two occasions sent artworks to an all-female visual exhibition in Lusaka. Our female artists have fared well and struck business.

“In the two years, Zimbabwe succeeded to send works from six artists to the Women’s Arts Exhibition. Recently, two senior officials from Zambia visited Zimbabwe to understudy Jikinya Dance Festival as well as the programming, administrative and financial systems of Zimbabwe.”

Responding to what the joint councils had done to improve the state of the music industries in the two countries, Mari said: “In the MoU, there is no specific reference to music because the mandates of both councils are arts as all encompassing. We believe that as specific programmes are designed, so will music be incorporated as needs arise.”

Mari said the two councils would meet in Zambia next.