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Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]

TALENT-NURTURING hub, the Centre for Talent Development (CTD) and the US Embassy in Zimbabwe have joined forces to launch the, “Artist Creative Entrepreneurship” project.

This visionary programme is designed to empower 45 emerging artists aged between 18 and 30 from the Matabeleland region, equipping them with the digital, entrepreneurial, and collaborative skills necessary to thrive in the global creative economy.

Interested artists should submit applications before January 1, 2025 for both online and in-person activities from March to November 2025.

The project is set to addresses the significant challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s emerging artists, including limited access to digital tools, entrepreneurial training, and international networks.

By bridging this gap, the CTD and the US Embassy aim to build a vibrant community of artists who can confidently navigate the digital world, showcase their talents globally, and create sustainable careers in the arts.

The “Artist Creative Entrepreneurship” project offers a comprehensive approach to empowering emerging artists.

Through digital empowerment, participants will gain skills in content creation, social media marketing, and e-commerce, enabling them to build a compelling online presence.

Entrepreneurial growth will be fostered through training in business planning, financial literacy, and intellectual property rights.

Global collaboration is also a key component of the project, connecting Zimbabwean artists with U.S. peers for mentorship, storytelling workshops, and collaborative projects that bridge cultural divides.

Additionally, the project promotes cultural heritage, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich artistic traditions and unique narratives on international platforms.

The project will roll out a series of activities, including the establishment of three physical creative hubs in Bulawayo, Gwanda, and Lupane, along with a virtual hub for training and collaboration. Intensive boot camps will offer training in digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and cultural exchange.

Participants will also have access to mentorship opportunities with U.S.-based mentors and a digital platform to showcase their work globally.

By the end of next year, the “Artist Creative Entrepreneurship” project aims to empower artists with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills, foster international collaborations and cultural exchange, celebrate and promote Zimbabwean heritage on the global stage, and contribute to the growth of a vibrant and inclusive creative economy in Zimbabwe.

Artists interested in participating are encouraged to submit their applications by January 1, 2025. Applicants must provide a brief introduction detailing their artistic background and creative journey, along with a portfolio showcasing their work through various formats such as photos, videos, or audio recordings. A motivation statement explaining their interest in the program and potential contributions is also required.

Submissions can be made in written, audio, or video formats, with the option to upload files to accessible platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Participants must commit to both online and in-person activities scheduled from March to November 2025. While basic digital literacy is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Interested artists are to submit application at [email protected].

According to Thabani Hilary Moyo, Programmes Officer for the CTD, “The ‘Artist Creative Entrepreneurship’ project represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean artists. By equipping them with the tools and connections they need to thrive, we’re not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the growth of the creative economy in our country.”

The CTD encourages young artists to apply for this life-changing programme with the idea of a unified front in the creative and cultural industries (CCIs) bent on building a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s creative community. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu