Arts Views with Thabani H Moyo
COMPETITION is the act of trying to gain what another entity tries to gain at the same time. It is where two or more artists or arts organisations strive to get something that both cannot have at the same time. It is rivalry between individual artists, arts groups or organisations who are vying for the same resources and markets.
In the creative sector there are open competitions where every stakeholder is invited to part. The rules or guidelines of the call to compete are made public. These are organised competitions and there are always prizes to be won or resources to be distributed. In the past there were competitions organised by the National Theatre Organisation competitions in the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Today we have competitions like Neshamwari Dance Competition by NACZ, Intwasa Short story writing Competition and recently the Geraldine Roche Drama Competitions.
It is paramount that before one being part of these competitions individuals and groups have to understand the AGENT or the organiser of the competition, their internal and external structures. Internal Structure so as to understand their target market and objectives of the organisers. It is common to come across organisations that are vague when it comes to the guidelines and objectives of the competition.
The external Structure because some organisations might outsource other individuals or organisations to help them implement and accomplish their objectives. These might be involved in the preliminary training workshops and even in the adjudication process. It is important to check the credibility of the individuals and organisations involved before becoming part of the competition. Some of these individuals have ulterior motives and can use competitions to settle scores. This may lead to disappointments to some participants.
We have PERFECT COMPETITIONS. These have clear and fair rules, the fair adjudication processes is shrouded in mystery. The outcomes of the competition process are usually accepted by even neutral observers.
We have UNDESIRABLE and HARMFUL COMPETITIONS. These have vague rules. In most cases there are undeclared conflict of interest issues like allowing those who are linked to the agent or adjudicators to take part in the competition. This results in favouritism and underhand dealings. The results under these circumstances are disputed and there is disgruntlement in some quarters of the sector.
Those who organise and run competitions must always make sure that values like integrity, fairness, honest and transparency are observed.
Competitions must also follow the known and acceptable standards. The National Theatre Organisation in the early 80s saw Township Theatre groups joining the theatre competition and this brought with it problems. The standards of adjudication used were Eurocentric and ‘racist’ and this frustrated most black theatre practitioners. To counter this they ended up coming with their own projects that catered for their interests.
Whether ones like it or not we live in a competitive world. We cannot wish competition away. Positive competition leads to enthusiasm and interest. It leads to good use of resources and standardisation. It forces each and every artist to be relevant. It is only in competition that one can increase their creativity and innovation.
On the other side competition leads to jealous, confusion in the market and in extreme cases can destroy talent and cause intense stress.
Sometimes it is wise to merge and do interpenetration than to collide.
Opinions shared in this article are the writer’s own. Thabani H Moyo is a teacher, writer, trainer and an arts facilitator.
