Arterial Network Urges Zimbabwean Creatives to Apply Insights from CCI Policy Workshop

Stephanie Kapfunde, chairperson of the Arterial Network Zimbabwe Chapter and southern region representative, has urged creatives to use insights gained from the Blueprint to Brushstrokes CCI Policy Evaluation Stakeholder Workshop held on November 27 and 28 at Theatre in the Park in Harare. The workshop brought together representatives from ministries, national departments and key players in the cultural and creative industries. Attendees included arts administrators, industry leaders and practising creatives.

Kapfunde said creatives hold strong opportunities to drive economic growth through their work. She encouraged them to study policies and shape their ideas to fit viable markets. She added that informed creatives can create stronger business models and improve their earning potential.

Discussions at the workshop centred on the Ten Pillars of the National Cultural and Creative Industries Strategy for 2020 to 2030. The sessions encouraged creatives to adopt a monitoring and evaluation approach in their daily work.

A plenary discussion moderated by Lisa Sadambe highlighted major challenges that creatives face when applying the ten pillars. Intellectual property emerged as one of the biggest barriers. Many creatives lack awareness of IP laws, which limits their ability to protect and monetise their work. Participants agreed that education and capacity building will help creatives secure their rights and grow financially.

Funding also remains a difficult area. Emerging artists and small enterprises struggle to access capital. Attendees proposed stronger links between cultural markets and business development to help creatives connect with investors. They also encouraged the government and private sector to establish dedicated funds for the creative sector.

Cultural infrastructure shortages were also noted. Many regions in Zimbabwe do not have enough spaces for creation, exhibition and collaboration. Public and private partnerships were suggested as a solution, with a focus on affordable venues and technology platforms that support creative work.

Rapid developments in media and ICTs present both chances and obstacles. Creatives need continuous training to stay competitive and reach global audiences. The group also stressed the value of cultural diplomacy to expand access to international markets. Strong research and reliable cultural statistics were identified as important tools for better decision making across the sector.

By improving policy support, investment and education, participants said Zimbabwean creatives can overcome existing challenges and strengthen their contribution to national development.

Several creatives, including Wistone Nyekete, Kireni Zulu, Eunice Tava and Nobuciko Mathuthu, said the workshop was highly informative. Zulu noted that the knowledge gained will help them use community spaces more effectively.

Arterial Network continues to run training programmes led by African experts. These include the SHIRIKA programme on organisational health, cultural management training and the African Women in Cultural Leadership programme. Since 2017, the organisation has been building African training hubs in Abidjan, Nairobi and Harare to support long term growth in the creative sector.