The event is co-ordinated by the Artists Trust of Southern Africa (ARTSA), a network of artists operating in various artistic disciplines. The event will include artists (sculptors, painters and crafters) and performing artists (music and dance) from various SADC member states. From Zimbabwe Gwarimba, Fanizani Akuda, Nyikambira Academy will be partnered with Mawungira Enharira On display and for sale are also various art works such as paintings, stone sculptures, wood carvings, painted fabrics and other handmade African crafts a showcase of what the SADC region has to offer.
The purpose for the cultural sectors involvement in this initiative is to showcase the rich cultural heritage within SADC and give opportunity for SADC artists to also be a part of the greater SADC Investment Promotion Campaign being undertaken by the SADC Secretariat during and after the World Cup. While the worlds focus is on South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup has presented a unique opportunity for all of SADC to be part of this great event and using the arts to market and sell its creativity and vast cultural heritage, said co-ordinators, Daves Guzha and Eugene Marillier-Malotana.
ARTSA views the World Cup as being an ideal platform to showcase SADCs cultural heritage, not purely for the sake of entertainment, but for art and culture to play a critical role in the development of cultural industries in the region. The performing arts, music, crafts, arts and antique markets have an opportunity to show to the rest of the world what the SADC Region has to offer, and the challenge for ARTSA is to harness this creativity and incorporate creative industries agenda into a development strategy aimed at enhanced competitiveness in the global economy.
Research clearly indicates that arts and culture are integral to sustainable development in many developing countries. An example is how the craft market in Southern Africa has, for many households, become the sole income generating activity. Art and culture can, and is, sustaining livelihoods in Southern Africa whether through personal enrichment, social upliftment or economic empowerment.
Post published in: Arts