STAFF WRITER
THE Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) has intensified its efforts to cover the whole nation in its talent scouting mission as preparations for the much publicized arts fete gathers momentum.
Last week alone, BAF organisers revealed that they managed to cover smaller cities and towns which include Plumtree, Gwanda, Mutare, Gweru and Victoria Falls.
“The BAF team has been out and about on a talent scouting tour to some of Zimbabwe’s smaller cities and towns in the past week. The mission is to include artists from these areas in the second edition of the vibrant young festival from 2-5 June, a hybrid ‘virtually-physical’ production for artists and audiences in and beyond Bulawayo,” the organisers said in a statement.
The festival which is in its second year, is divided into two with June 1, Bulawayo Day meant to celebrates the city’s history kick starting the week-long festival.
In 2019, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) declared June 1, Bulawayo Day set aside to commemorate the declaration of the city as a town in 1894. As a result, the day is marked by arts and cultural activities.
On the second phase, BAF will in turn run from June 2-5.
However, during the tours, the organisers said they have been following Covid-19 regulations as a measure to curb the spread of the pandemic.
“In a clever twist to work within the Covid-19 restrictions, the tour is bringing audiences and artists together in a whole new way.”
BAF has been working in conjunction with the National Arts Council offices around the country who are responsible with identifying some the artists and various government ministry representatives for their support.
According to the organisers, some of these talents that are being scouted will be invited to the festival in Bulawayo.
“The inclusion of this raw talent alongside the rainbow of urban music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry, visual arts, photography and fashion will grow the festival in diversity, progressiveness and inclusivity, and provide the world audience with a fascinating and authentic menu to feast on. It is a brave step for Bulawayo Arts Festival and others in this brave new world of the survival of culture online.”
The organisers further noted that BAF 2021 lineup will be officially released in this coming week.
