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projects as individuals or as artists’ associations so that their market, important stakeholders and the country’s populace are aware of what is transpiring on the ground. They will also get a platform to be recognised by international audiences for more opportunities.
Many artists are creating remarkable artworks, crucial art projects in their communities and schools but their gallant efforts are going unnoticed because of lack of publicity. Sometimes what they could achieve if they get adequate publicity and assistance be availed in all shapes and sizes could be a milestone.
There are numerous vessels of wisdom around, repositories of knowledge who are not hesitant to assist on matters of development. But without echoes for help, woes bedevilling the sector will flourish.
AfricanColours Artists’ Association (AAA), a visual art organisation which I chair, funded by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, initiated a countrywide conduction of art forums project. The association got sufficient publicity from both local print and electronic media for the project.
When visiting various corners of the country where we had never stepped foot on, we were astonished by the resounding attendances and reception.
We got unwavering support from regional offices of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, National Galleries of Zimbabwe, National Military Museum in Gweru, business community as it was during hard times when food stocks had limited purchases, colleagues from different places, voluntary speakers, the populace at large, to mention a few.
The success of the project was astounding because of the significant input from all walks of life. Our project findings have since been used to formulate policies by certain quarters in the country and our networks in regional countries.
On international front, opportunities like artists-in-residence programmes, art workshops, exhibitions, facilitation of projects to highlight a few, publicity materials and media reviews are often requested on various applications. Those who have them possess an edge over those without.
Because many artists are not using publicity tools and only a handful are, there is a nuisance of having the same people getting various opportunities severally or attending various art gatherings all the time. This beats the system when trying to gather objective developmental information that is critical when taking measures to sustain the sector.
I have had a handful of opportunities to various countries for my artistic endeavours and at one time in four different countries I met the same five artists on the limited international opportunities.
In another incident I travelled from Uganda to Ethiopia and then to Kenya for art projects with the same four faces as if we were from one country. These uninspiring replications do not create sensible art networks, neither do they develop artists nor promote valuable cultural exchanges.
The sector needs input from various creative minds to achieve the intended goals. It is then critical that artists publicise their work as there are more benefits associated with the positive publicity.
l Stephen Garan’anga is an international fine art practitioner, independent art projects co-ordinator, chairperson of AfricanColours Artists, executive member Batapata International Artists’ Workshop, critical visual arts writer amongst other things. He can be contacted at [email protected]