The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
BULAWAYO Arts Awards nominee for Outstanding Visual Artiste of the Year Bhekitshe Ntshali and Hloniphani Dube have opened a non-profit arts academy.
The academy Siphulwazi Visual Arts Academy (SVAA) housed at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo will officially be opened on 10 August.
The arts academy on the day of its launch will hold an event running under the theme Grassroots High Grade and the Art of Note, where arts students are expected to showcase their artistic talents.
The academy was incepted in November 2016 in a bid to revive visual arts that have been less valued due to economic difficulties.
Ntshali said SVAA targeted young artistes who are passionate about arts.
“Visual arts have largely been ignored in Zimbabwe because of financial constraints. SVAA seeks to promote and preserve visual arts through grooming young talents so they can view arts as something which can shape their careers positively,” he said.
Ntshali added that their passion for arts also drove them to create the arts academy.
The co-founder of the academy Dube said they were aiming at enrolling at least 40 students with 20 having already been registered.
“Those who are interested in visual arts can register at the National Gallery Studio 6. Registration fees are pegged at $10 while fees per semester cost $90,” he said.
Dube urged parents and guardians of aspiring artistes to be co-operative and help children pursue their dreams.
National Arts Gallery in Bulawayo regional director Voti Thebe will be the guest of honour at the launch.
“Mr Thebe will be our honourable guest during the official opening of the Siphulwazi Academy and I believe that shows that he is 100 percent behind the formation of the academy,” he said.
