Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA)

Objective 1: Artistic and cultural opportunities in Zimbabwe are enhanced through targeted small grants to artists and arts organisations.

Objective 2: Reach and capacity of the Alliance Française is enhanced, confirming its role as a dynamic centre of excellence and innovation for artists.

Objective 3: Identify and support innovative artistic and cultural initiatives, fostering their growth and sustainability while enhancing social cohesion and civic participation through inclusive dialogue, empowerment of marginalised voices, and strengthening community resilience.

Objective 4: Facilitate policy influencing with donors and government for increased support to the arts sector.

Risultati principali attesi:  

• 80 artists and 5 arts organisations receive grants to produce new artistic work and showcase it at exhibitions, festivals and workshops
• 40 artists are trained in business management and financial literacy
• Alliance Française curates and hosts 15 events that feature old and new work by artists
• 250 artists (60%+ women) are nurtured and connected to new audiences, potential funders / investors, and markets
• Two policy issues are discussed and followed through with the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture
• Enhanced knowledge sharing occurs among stakeholders in the sector

Risultati fasi precedenti:   Switzerland’s support for the Regional Arts and Culture Programme in Southern Africa, managed by Pro Helvetia, concluding in 2022, achieved significant results. It facilitated 400 residencies and collaborations benefiting nearly 800 artists. Over 900 artists received business management training through 150 workshops held across eight countries. Mobility grants enabled 173 performances and exhibitions, fostering cultural exchange and expanding visibility for 1’000 artists to new audiences. A number of artists from the programme managed to showcase their work at regional and international exhibitions. The programme revealed key insights: (i) Despite its modest scale, mobility was crucial in empowering artists to innovate and enhance their incomes. (ii) It underscored the pivotal role of small, independent arts organisations in identifying talent and disseminating trainings locally to individual artists. The programme was under increased demand for support due to lack of regional funding for the sector.