Latest news with #culturalinitiatives
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
European Union and Culture Fund Continue to Strengthen Zimbabwe's Creative Sector with Four Newly Awarded Grants
The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, in partnership with the European Union (EU) Delegation to Zimbabwe, is pleased to announce the awarding of grants for a total amount of USD $27,929.00 to four outstanding Zimbabwean cultural and creative operators under the CreativeACTIONs 2 program — the EU Delegation's flagship cultural initiative in Zimbabwe. The newly awarded grants, ranging from USD $1,598.00 and USD $10,000.00, support a dynamic mix of local and international-facing initiatives that use arts and culture as tools for promoting inclusion, innovation, skills transfer, economic empowerment and global engagement. The four funded projects include: A disability-inclusive visual arts exhibition amplifying the voices and creativity of persons with Albinism through workshops, public showcases and advocacy around accessibility in the arts. A heritage-inspired empowerment project helping 100 women generate income by transforming gemstones into high-value jewellery, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe School of Mines and MMCZ. A mobility grant enabling a young Zimbabwean theatre educator to participate in a knowledge exchange and international capacity-building in Germany. Funding for an international theatre festival and arts platform showcasing Zimbabwean and international talent, further expanding Zimbabwe's cultural footprint and promoting cross-cultural dialogue and sector growth. This latest round of grants builds on the EU and Culture Fund's shared commitment to bolstering Zimbabwe's creative economy by supporting youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs),at all career stages from emerging to established through strategic funding of organizations, institutions, events and festivals that expand opportunities within the arts and culture sector. This support also facilitates international cultural exchanges between Zimbabwean creatives and artists in other African countries and EU member states. Since its launch in 2023, CreativeACTIONs 2 has supported 86 projects nationwide with a total investment of USD $1,232,050.00. The initiative has had a meaningful impact on Zimbabwe's creative ecosystem by: Strengthening institutional and individual capacity; Advancing inclusion and representation in the arts; Creating platforms for creative expression, innovation and economic opportunities; Supporting national cultural policies; Facilitating mobility market access for Zimbabwean arts and cultural products. All ten provinces of Zimbabwe have benefited from CreativeACTIONs 2, with projects ranging from community-level empowerment to international collaborations. These initiatives have provided Zimbabwean artists with enhanced opportunities for cross-border exchange, market expansion, and increased international visibility. The final Call for Proposals under the programme closed on 31 May 2025, with successful applicants expected to be announced in July 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Zimbabwe.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Culture Ministry Signs Agreement with Saudi Downtown Company to Boost Cultural Cooperation
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has signed an agreement with the Saudi Downtown Company to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The agreement focuses on several key areas, including inventorying and documenting cultural heritage, sharing data, studies, and statistics, and establishing a solid financial framework to encourage public and private sector support for cultural initiatives. These initiatives aim to empower and develop cultural professions and assets, utilize underused resources to improve access to cultural sectors across regions, and incorporate cultural assets into the master plans for Saudi Downtown Company development projects. Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Development at the Ministry of Culture Noha Kattan signed the agreement, along with Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Downtown Company Eng. Fahad Al-Hammad. Among the agreement's key provisions is the adoption of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism as a guiding reference for the company's projects. It also calls for participation in cultural awareness events and initiatives, the creation of investment opportunities for cultural assets in downtown areas, and the development of cultural talents and capabilities. This partnership reflects the Ministry of Culture's continued efforts, in collaboration with various government, private, and non-profit entities, to celebrate the diversity of local cultures, preserve the Kingdom's national heritage, promote cultural projects and professions, foster artistic programming, and create a vibrant cultural environment that supports education and exploration.
