Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by expanding participation in this year’s Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF).
The move comes after local artistes expressed feelings of marginalisation in last year’s event, which primarily focused on music and poetry.
To address these concerns, Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube announced on social media that the 2025 BAF will welcome a broader range of artists, including visual artists, sculptors, culinary artists, and craftspeople.
“The invitation is to artists in visual arts, music, dance, poetry, theatre, culinary arts, crafts, and sculpture,” Mr Dube stated.
Artists interested in participating can submit their proposals to the city council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage office, led by Nomashawekazi “Lady Tshawe” Damasane.
Proposals can also be emailed to nmdamasane@citybyo.co.zw. The deadline for submissions is February 28, with the festival scheduled to take place from June 2 to June 5.
The BAF holds significant cultural value in Bulawayo, particularly since the city declared June 2 as “Bulawayo Day” in 2019.
Last year’s theme, #RESTART, aimed to revitalise the arts scene post-pandemic, and this year’s event is expected to build on that momentum. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
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