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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
ORGANISERS of the Shangano Arts Festival have for the first time in the 16-year history of the event, roped in children living with disabilities to participate under the banner of Creative Corridors.
Creative Corridors is a project for talented children and young people with disabilities. It seeks to create a platform for them to interact with the bigger society while showcasing their talents.

Shangano Arts Festival organisers partnered with Chipawo organisers to include children living with disability for the 16th edition of the annual festival which kicks off tomorrow in Hwange.

Little Theatre, the home of theatre in the coal-mining town will be the main venue while organisers are working on finalising other venues for side events.

Renowned poet, Albert Nyathi is expected to headline the event whose theme is “Jubilate”. Several acts are lined up with workshops on environmental children’s rights and public finance management awareness set to take place.

The key highlight for the festival will be the presence of Matabeleland North provincial winners for the 2022 Chibuku Neshamwari, Pezhuba Pachena and the Chibuku Road to Fame provincial winners Shantani, as well as Vulindlela, Top Kings, Jewel, Shaba Arts and others.

Festival director Petros Ndlovu said the Creative Corridors initiative is meant to enhance interaction between the mainstream arts sector and children with disabilities in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind.

“The idea came after the realisation that their talents, motivation, and skills are seldom recognised in most development sectors. This is the first time we’re roping in Creative Corridors and it’s a partnership between Shangano and Chipawo,” said Ndlovu.

He said the Creative Corridors project is already active in Hwange Rural District Council’s wards 10 and 20 where children with disabilities are doing a variety of art projects. According to Ndlovu, about 15 children and young people are expected to take part in the festival, especially in the talent search and official opening sessions.

Preparations for the four-day festival, Ndlovu said are going on well with children with disabilities set to showcase their skills in drama, marimba, and singing.

Chipawo director Chipo Basopo-Chindungwe said this will be the happiest moment for the children as they will be given a platform to showcase their skills.

Shangano Arts Festival is Matabeleland North’s premier arts event which is aimed at promoting and preserving culture through arts, specifically music and dance. Districts in the province rotate to host the event. – @ncubeleon