Arts Writer
THE United States Exchange Alumni team has collaborated with local organisations to initiate a pioneer training programme aimed at boosting financial literacy and artistic skills for emerging visual artists in Bulawayo and Mbembesi, Matabeleland.
This transformative initiative comes after observing that visual artists are perceived only as creative but are marginalised when it comes to financial literacy.
The surveillance saw the inception of collaboration with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Akwande, Paperbag Africa, National Arts Council, Ntombi Moyo Film Company, US Embassy, The Tech Village and Nissi Global for a “Financial Freedom, Equals Creative Freedom”, development training programme.
Akwande Team Lead and workshop curator Nontuthuzelo Sisale told NewsDay Life & Style that the workshop seeks to be the bridge between financial management, creativity and artistic cultural flourishing.
“Visual artists, often marginalised in financial literacy efforts, are perceived only as creatives rather than business-minded individuals who also face unique challenges when it comes to financial management,” said Sisale.
She added that this drove the programme to be the bridge of financial literacy, entrepreneurship and skills gap so that these may cease being a barrier to the success of visual artists, but instead become a springboard for creativity and artistic cultural flourishing.
“Irregular income streams, lack of formal business training and limited access to financial resources can hinder their growth and sustainability, this programme aims to address these challenges by providing practical knowledge and skills that empower artists with necessary skills to bridge these gaps,” Sisale added.
The seven-day training, scheduled for November 18 to 28 at the National Art Gallery, Bulawayo, aims at equipping 35 talented emerging visual artists’ with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the competitive art world.
Meanwhile, on top of the establishment of an Art Association during training, some of the key objectives of the programme include financial literacy training, entrepreneurial skills development, design thinking and artistic skills enhancement, for the artists’ long-term financial stability and informed financial decision making.
US Exchange Alumni team comprises the Mandela Washington fellowship, Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and International Visitors Leadership Programme.
These are the recipients of the Alumni Exchange Innovation Fund 2024, under the special grant category which was included this year in celebration of the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s 10th anniversary.
The AEIF programme is supported and implemented by the US embassy in Zimbabwe to increase the impact of the US government’s investment in exchange participants and programmes by helping alumni develop and implement projects that support US foreign policy objectives, promote shared interests and benefit local communities.
-AMH
