By Lerato Ndlovu
Mashonaland West province is currently celebrating its culture week virtually in a bid to curb Covid-19.
The commemorations commenced on the 15th and will be wrapped up on the 22nd of May nationwide, under the theme “Resilience in safeguarding creativity and cultural diversity.”
The theme recognizes Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) that have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The arts have remained resilient and therefore Culture Week provides an opportunity to celebrate and promote creativity and cultural diversity.
In Mashonaland West artists were urged to showcase their cultural products to the locals in their communities, while engaging in different discussions on various social media platforms throughout the week.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Mashonaland West Provincial Manager, Jephias Makumucha said they are working on ensuring that the celebrations are a success.
“A committee that’s working tirelessly for the success of the provincial launch scheduled for the 22nd of May is 100 percent on ground, It would have been a great event if there were no restrictions in regards to the pandemic, we would have allowed all Artists in the Province to partake in the launch, but Covid-19 restrictions are to be adhered to, and everyone’s safety is our priority.
“To limit on big gatherings, we have urged Artists in the Province to showcase their products in their communities, and relate to the importance of culture through crafts, music, dressing and any other cultural artistic means that reflect on the Cultures in the Province,” he said.
The concept of Culture week is drawn from the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity by UNESCO in 2001 which proclaimed the 21st of May as the “World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Diversity”.
Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) have become one of the fastest-growing sectors in the universe with an estimated global worth of 4.3 trillion USD per year, the culture sector now accounts for 6.1% of the global economy as they generate annual revenues of US$ 2,250 billion and nearly 30 million jobs worldwide, employing more people aged 15 to 29 than any other sector.
