By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
UPCOMING artists should take advantage of opportunities availed to perform and attract sponsors instead begging for financial support handouts, a government official has said.
His remarks follow growing accusayions that the Arts Department is not doing enough to assist local artists.
Responding to the criticism Cossma Zulu the district’s Arts and Culture Officer, said his ministry provides platforms for artists to showcase their talent, particularly through performances at national and provincial events.
“The ministry is doing its best through engagement of artists to perform at state functions. Independence and Heroes celebrations, for example, give artists a chance to be seen by dignitaries, the media and the public. Those who perform well often get invitations afterward. So we always encourage artists to avail themselves at such functions,” he said in an interview with Ziyah News Network.
Zulu clarified the ministry’s focus is on promotion, professionalisation and linkages rather than direct funding.
“Our mandate is to promote and develop artists through ease of doing business and creating networks. We don’t provide direct financial support at district level. Instead, we help upcoming artists get registered and link them to radio and TV stations for airplay. We also support initiatives like Beitbridge Super Star that help identify new talent,” he explained.
He revealed plans to involve local business players in developing the arts sector through investment in infrastructure.
“The plan is to engage local businesses to invest in proper studios and arts centres. At the moment, there are none here. Artists who want quality recordings must travel to Harare. Backyard studios exist, but their quality isn’t guaranteed,” he noted.
Zulu said the ministry’s main strength lies in coordination and connecting artists to opportunities.
“Artists have been seconded to events where they were paid for their performances. What’s needed is to increase such opportunities,” he added.
The ministry has also engaged artists in social campaigns, such as the ZBC Radio Zimbabwe Roadshow and provincial sporting tournaments against drug and substance abuse.
Still, Zulu admitted that resource constraints remain a major setback.
“We run most programmes on a zero-budget model. The ministry has no vehicle, which makes it difficult to reach all areas in the district,” he said.
While acknowledging the artists’ concerns, Zulu maintained that collaboration is key.
“The ministry is here to open doors but artists need to walk through them,” he said.