The Sunday News
Bruce Chimani Sunday Leisure Correspondent
FEET-IN CITY, a project organised by Voices in Colour is set to bring back a spark in Bulawayo residents’ appreciation of their city as celebrations have been set for 12 and 13 December around the city.Through Feet-in City, the organisers seek to celebrate Bulawayo — people, culture, history, diversity and positive symbols under the theme my place, my city, my home.
“Voices in Colour recognises that Bulawayo is a place of radiance and a city with a multiplicity of identities, communities, religions, cultures and voices. Bulawayo is a city of many languages, many people and so much diversity. We recognise that it is a rich space embracing a rich presence and history. Through Feet-in City we hope to celebrate this,” said Mthabisi Phili, the project’s curator.
With sponsors like Hivos, the Norwegian Embassy, Africalia and VANSA and partners which include the Bulawayo City Council, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and Bounce Back, the pilot project is set to revive an appreciation of the beauty of Bulawayo in a holistic manner.
Bounce Back, the trust which has been renovating the Centenary Park, will have an opportunity to show the public the progress that has been made in reviving the recreational area that was once a beacon in the city.
The creative programme of exhibitions, parade, music and performances will start in Njube at Njube Hall where a community inspired exhibition and mini parade will take place. The 13th will see a public art and music programme and a Feet-in City Parade in the central business district of Bulawayo. The official opening ceremony will be held at the Centenary Park on that day.
“We seek to pioneer shared creativity. The Feet-in City Parade will be a radiant waking up of the city’s communities and artistes in public spaces. The parade seeks to capture the energy, colour, radiance and life of a people in a place. The parade hopes to collaborate with everyone in the city from vendors to pedestrians to people just passing by,” he added.
Among the artistes who will perform include Umkhathi Theatre Works, Hudson Simbarashe, Impumelelo Shining Stars and Black Umfolosi as well Mulenga Mulenga from Zambia and a South African band from Wits University.
Bounce Back trust member Craig Broomberg said Bulawayo has a lot of potential due to its richness in culture and that social integration will help the citizens appreciate their space more and work together to revive tourism in the city.
“We worked hard to rehabilitate Centenary Park as it a place where families used to go and spend quality time. Having this event at the park will reignite that spark and bridge the divide that is now there among our people,” he said.
The celebrations on the 13th are being held a day before the Youth Games end and according to Craig, this is a deliberate move to showcase Bulawayo and all it has to offer to the visitors.
