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Nkululeko Nkala

Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
THE organisers of the forthcoming Beitbridge International Arts Festival have called on artistes to apply for slots to participate in the first edition of the arts jamboree, to be held in October. The festival, to be held under the theme “Big Art, Small Town” is set to be a multi-arts participatory fiesta targeting young artistes from across the globe.
Nkululeko Nkala, one of the organisers, said applications were open to artistes from all genres.
“The festival seeks to attract the most exciting young artistes, performers and performing companies from across the globe and therefore all artistes wishing to be part of this historic event are free to apply,” said Nkala.

He said the three day carnival to be held from 24-26 October will feature music, dance, lifestyle, spoken word, and theatre and arts workshops.
He said the motive behind hosting the festival was to boost the arts industry, as well as promoting tourism in the border town.

“Recognising the excitement that surrounds the arts and the ability of the arts to shift perceptions and influence people, we saw the need for an arts festival that will promote Beitbridge, our border town, by creating an annual festival firmly rooted in the town. The idea is to have a weekend festival that will feature world class artistes, who will also help in boosting tourist confidence with local high quality acts sharing the stage with them,” said Nkala.

He said the festival was about quality acts and that will surely put Beitbridge on the world map.
“We want to encourage creativity in Beitbridge and afford our artistes a chance to mix and mingle with their well established counterparts from around the world; most of our programming will be biased towards artistes from Beitbridge and Matabeleland South.

“Activities and performances will take place indoors and outside in venues and spaces around the town, so  people can participate and attend,” said Nkala.

He said some artistes from South Africa, Zambia, Austria and Swaziland had already shown a keen interest in taking part in the festival.
“Big Art Small Town is an expression of the way we expect every one that will attend the festival to feel as they enjoy the carnival atmosphere and the beauty of our border town,” said Nkala.