BULAWAYO – The European Union (EU) in collaboration with Culture Fund has awarded grants worth US$748,588 to 42 exceptional projects by Zimbabwean artists across the country.
The grants will benefit artists and cultural practitioners from various disciplines, including filmmaking, sculpturing, comedy, music, dance, theatre, literary arts, and fashion.
Some projects will support the holding of festivals, fairs, exhibitions, and awards ceremonies.
EU ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann said the grants will go a long way in empowering the country’s artists.
“As the European Union, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering Zimbabwean creativity. The projects will not only entertain but create jobs, raise awareness, promote tolerance, and preserve Zimbabwean art and culture,” said Kirchman in a statement.
Culture Fund Director Farai Mpfunya said they received an overwhelming response from artists who sought to win the grants.
“We are delighted to share that the project received a remarkable response during the first grant cycle, with 248 highly competitive proposals submitted.”
According to the EU, the 42 projects will also empower creatives, especially women and the youth from Hwange, Binga, Tsholotsho, Lupane, Masvingo, Murehwa, Harare, and Bulawayo.
In addition, the EU said the preservation and promotion of minority cultures of communities such as the San and Ndau as well as promoting accessibility to arts and cultural creations by people with disabilities will also be the focus of some of the awarded projects.
