MutARE Tales Arts Association Empowers Emerging Zimbabwean Artists

Project manager Tawanda Ndlovu says MutARE Tales Arts Association provides a platform for emerging artists to shine, grow, and make a lasting impact. The association is rooted in Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and the belief in art’s transformative power.

The association began as a project in 2018 under founder Bigert Eggert. After a period of inactivity, it was revived in 2023 as a fully-fledged association. Ndlovu told NewsDay Life & Style that the association’s mission is to empower young artists from under-resourced communities by providing access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities for creative expression.

A key example of this impact was the October 2024 talent search held in Sakubva, Mutare. Visual artists who once sketched in silence from their homes gained visibility. Musicians and poets found new platforms to amplify their voices, and some formally joined the association, highlighting its role in driving tangible change.

MutARE Tales Arts Association collaborates with organisations such as Youth Development Initiative Trust, Young Entrepreneurs Trust Zimbabwe, and Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust. These partnerships extend the association’s work beyond art into entrepreneurship, climate awareness, and youth leadership. More than 20 artists have benefited from youth-centred programmes delivered through these collaborations.

Ndlovu explained the multidisciplinary approach: “When we did the mural on environmental sustainability, that was primarily for visual artists. But poets and singers were asked to create lyrics inspired by the mural, and we produced videos at the mural site. At the launch, a dance group and other singers also performed.”

Entrepreneurship is central to the association’s work. Ndlovu said art is often undervalued socially, culturally, and commercially in Zimbabwe. “We push artists to change the narrative. We run workshops and mentorship programmes so they can understand the basics of running a business. Art should be seen not as a hobby, but as a business.”

The long-term impact is measured through recognition and growth among the artists. Ndlovu noted improvements in self-confidence, communication skills, and sustained engagement as key indicators of success. “We smile when artists we have worked with gain recognition or perform well in competitions. Seeing them stay engaged when they could have given up is truly heartwarming,” she said.

MutARE Tales balances innovation with preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural legacy. Ndlovu emphasized that culture and art are inseparable. Projects are designed to innovate while remaining grounded in local cultural context. She is currently working on three projects that will engage artists in work deeply rooted in Zimbabwean identity and traditional values.

Through mentorship, collaboration, and cultural preservation, MutARE Tales Arts Association continues to create opportunities for emerging artists to develop their craft, contribute to society, and build sustainable creative careers.