The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is calling on residents to actively participate in the upcoming Bulawayo Day and Bulawayo Arts Festival.
Preparations are in full swing for the 2024 edition, scheduled to take place from June 1 to June 7, featuring a wide variety of programs across the city.
The event lineup boasts a street parade, World Bicycle Day celebrations, a KoNtuthu Legends Concert, a gospel concert, various workshops (dance, art economy, Inxwala lecture series), the I Wear My Culture exhibition, school cultural showcases, an Imboko concert, and more.
This year marks the 130th anniversary of Bulawayo’s designation as a town.
In an interview, BCC Corporate Communications Manager Nesisa Mpofu said the city is committed to leveraging its creative talent to generate value.
“Bulawayo is known for its rich cultural heritage,” Mpofu said. “Over the years, the city has invested in infrastructure development, established youth centres, and offered vibrant youth programs teaching skills in crafts, dance, and music. We’ve seen this talent flourish, and as a city, we want to tap into this creative base and turn it into value.”
Mpofu explained that the Bulawayo Arts Festival serves a dual purpose: celebrating the city’s heritage and culture while positioning Bulawayo as a cultural hub and economic centre through the promotion of the creative sector.
“The festival is decentralized, with programs happening in community halls and schools across the city,” she said. “This ensures audiences and performers come from various areas. Residents in Mzilikazi can participate at McDonald Hall or Stanley Hall, both within walking distance.”
Mpofu highlighted the festival’s inclusivity, catering to all age groups from primary school children to seniors.
“This year, we have a special program series discussing the Inxwala festival and its implications for modern-day Bulawayo,” she said. “These discussions are key to broadening our understanding of who we are as a city.”
Mpofu encouraged residents to actively participate in the festivities.
“There are numerous ways to get involved,” she said. “Schools are participating in performances and spelling bees. If you live in Mzilikazi, walk to the nearest hall or downtown. Showcase your crafts at the designated area – it’s a potential market to not only sell but also gain exposure and potential orders. Don’t just be a spectator; come and engage with the people of Bulawayo.”
Mpofu acknowledged that financial benefits for artists might be limited due to budget constraints. However, the festival offers opportunities for brand visibility, cultural exchange, and contributing to the city’s identity and corporate culture.
“Financial benefits aren’t the only ones,” she explained. “While artist compensation might be symbolic due to budget limitations, they understand the city’s resource constraints. They contribute their talent in exchange for exposure. Additionally, partners gain brand visibility by showcasing their products.”
“The festival is about celebrating our culture and identity at various levels,” Mpofu concluded. “As individuals, we have our cultures, nurtured talents, and honed skills. Through the festival, these individual expressions come together to form the city’s corporate culture. We want Bulawayo to cultivate a global corporate culture that embodies tolerance, love, and a welcoming spirit.”
