National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s Barbara Gotore Represents Zimbabwe at IFACCA GLOBUZ Fellowship in Vietnam
Zimbabwe has strengthened its presence on the international cultural stage through the participation of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Director of Arts Promotion and Development, Barbara Gotore, in the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies, IFACCA, GLOBUZ Fellowship in Vietnam. Her participation reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing commitment to promoting its creative sector through global engagement, knowledge sharing and international partnerships. The fellowship has brought together arts and culture professionals from 15 countries, creating an important platform for collaboration and professional development. By joining the programme, Zimbabwe is contributing to global conversations about the future of arts, culture and creative industries. The opportunity also reinforces the country’s efforts to build stronger relationships with cultural institutions around the world.
The IFACCA GLOBUZ Fellowship is designed to strengthen regional and international peer networks among professionals working in the arts and cultural sectors. Participants are given opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends and develop strategies that can support the growth of creative industries in their respective countries. The programme encourages collaboration across different cultural backgrounds while promoting innovation in arts management and cultural policy. For Zimbabwe, participation in the fellowship provides valuable exposure to international best practices that can help strengthen the local creative ecosystem. It also creates opportunities to establish partnerships that may benefit artists, cultural organisations and institutions back home.
As part of the fellowship programme, delegates are attending the 4th Da Nang Film Festival, one of the event’s major highlights. The festival provides an opportunity for participants to experience contemporary filmmaking, engage with industry professionals and explore new approaches to film production and cultural storytelling. In addition to film-related activities, delegates are participating in educational and cultural visits that showcase Vietnam’s rich artistic and historical heritage. These experiences allow participants to better understand how culture can contribute to tourism, economic development and international cooperation. Such exposure offers valuable insights that can be adapted within Zimbabwe’s own cultural landscape.
The fellowship also includes visits to several important cultural sites across Vietnam. Delegates have toured the Cham Sculpture Museum, where they have explored one of Southeast Asia’s most significant collections of Cham art and history. They have also visited a traditional pottery village to learn about the preservation of indigenous craftsmanship and cultural traditions. Other stops include Hangart Da Nang, The Tham-Ha Gallery and the historic town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the world. These field visits demonstrate how heritage conservation, creative industries and tourism can work together to support sustainable cultural development.
Barbara Gotore’s participation highlights the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s creative sector remains connected to international developments. By engaging with cultural leaders from different regions, she is gaining practical knowledge and building professional relationships that can contribute to the advancement of Zimbabwe’s arts industry. The experience also allows Zimbabwe to showcase its own cultural strengths while learning from successful initiatives implemented elsewhere. International exchanges of this nature often create long-term opportunities for artistic collaborations, training programmes and cultural projects. They also help strengthen Zimbabwe’s visibility within the global creative community.
Zimbabwe’s creative industries have continued to grow in recent years, with increasing recognition of the economic and social value of arts and culture. International participation through programmes such as the IFACCA GLOBUZ Fellowship supports these efforts by exposing local institutions to new ideas and successful models from across the world. It also demonstrates that the country is committed to investing in professional development for leaders within the arts sector. Strong international partnerships can create opportunities for Zimbabwean artists to access wider markets and participate in global cultural events. This approach supports long-term growth while strengthening the country’s cultural diplomacy.
Barbara Gotore’s participation in the IFACCA GLOBUZ Fellowship represents more than an individual achievement. It reflects Zimbabwe’s broader ambition to expand international cooperation within the creative industries and position its cultural sector for sustainable growth. The knowledge, networks and experiences gained during the fellowship have the potential to benefit artists, institutions and creative professionals across the country. As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its presence on the global cultural stage, initiatives like this provide valuable foundations for future collaboration and innovation. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe’s continued investment in international engagement demonstrates its commitment to building a vibrant and globally connected creative industry.
