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Bolamba, Inkovu Arts and poet Nqindi on stage during the Rainbow Province Arts Festival on Friday

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
ARTISTES have been called upon to produce work that will contribute to the success of the nation’s economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).
Officially opening the Matabeleland South Rainbow Province Arts Festival (RPAF) at Gwanda District Club on Friday night, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Abedinico Ncube, called on artistes to strive to support the government’s efforts to turn around the country’s economy.

“We expect our arts and cultural activities to contribute to the success of Zim-Asset. Production of good crafts for both local and export markets is a good example,” he said.

“I’ld like to call upon our artistes to produce works that reflect on our culture and contribute to development and social cohesion. Today the arts are a business and as such our artistes must produce works that are marketable so that they can earn a living out of them,” said Ncube.

Artistes were also urged to work with health institutions in educating people about the deadly Ebola which has claimed thousands of lives in West African countries.

“I’ld like to urge our artistes to tackle social issues like diseases, poverty and family problems and other challenges we’ve in society. We know you’ve contributed a lot to the fight against pandemics like HIV/Aids.

“I call upon you to work with health institutions in educating people about the dreaded Ebola disease which has wreaked havoc in some countries. We need your input as artistes because you know how to engage with the society, you’re the vehicles of communication,” Ncube said.

He appealed to the business community to support the arts industry with funds.
The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust funded the festival.

Gwanda mayor Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu emphasised the continued need for unity, respect and support between the community and the artistes.

National Arts Council provincial manager Nokuthula Moyo thanked the government for the support it provided to the arts industry.
He encouraged artistes to form associations and said there was a need to have more festivals in various parts of the province.

The festival director Future Moyo also called for funding from communities, businesses and political leaders to enhance arts industry in the province.

“We’re appealing for more sponsors and partners so that we can improve on our work,” he said.
This year’s edition of the festival, which ended on Saturday,  ran under the theme “Our Arts, Our Culture”.

Hundreds of people were wowed by splendid performances by artistes from within and outside the province.
This was the first edition of the RPAF under community management. The past five editions were run by National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.