The Sunday News
A few weeks ago, in the month of July, the UK government stopped all Covid- 19 restrictions and opened up the country. Suddenly, people whose movement had been very restricted started going about their business like they did pre-Covid-19. The opening meant people could move everywhere and anywhere and do what they want without any restrictions.
The theatres that were closed for over a year and half opened are now doing business. Concert are now in full swing, most selling out and artists once again making money. Festivals and other art events are now happening live. Travelling is unrestricted. Of course, it was a risky decision the country had to take, but someone had to do it and UK took that leap of faith.
The whole world is watching the UK now. Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo is among those watching with bated breath, hoping that if it works for the UK then it will work for everyone else. Imagine the world opening up again and everyone, especially when you are vaccinated, going about their business with little restrictions.
We all know since the coming of Covid- 19 the arts sector has been closed, making thousands, if not millions of people — artists, front of house people, backstage people, everyone — jobless. The UK opening of everything — if it works — will obviously bring back sanity to many sectors, the arts included. If it does work, then it will be back to work for many artists the world over — Zimbabweans included.
So we wait for the results of that opening like we waited for the discovery of the vaccine. We wait, like an African farmer waiting for the rains. The waiting is never easy, it’s never comfortable, but it is something we have to endure.
But if the decision to open everything backfires on the UK it will only mean one thing – back to lockdowns, tighter restrictions and closing of sectors like the arts.
Going back to lockdowns and more restrictions will only mean more suffering for artists — especially those failing to stamp their presence on social media platforms — and possible death for many young careers. While the lockdowns ushered in the digital era, particularly the use of several platforms for the survival of the arts, it is clear not every artist can get into those platforms and make a living through them. So most local artists have become spectators in their own sectors due to their inability to access digital platforms.
So in less than two months Intwasa Arts Festival will roar into life, either as a hybrid edition or simply as a virtual edition depending on the Covid-19 situation. There is no reward in guessing what the organisers wish for. It is our wish that the UK experiment works so we may also open before September. However, if it doesn’t work and the sector does not open soon the festival will be in a position to deliver a great digital version from 21 to 25 September 2021. This year’s digital version of the festival is coming courtesy of the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and the European Union.
As we continue the countdown towards the 17th edition of Intwasa we wish all artists and festival lovers to stay safe and to continue fighting this pandemic.
