Her First-ival, a three-day multi sectoral arts festival for women by women has opened calls for female performers and trainees to take part in their upcoming fete set for August 9 to 12 under the theme “Celebrating Sheroes” in Victoria Falls, Standard Style has learnt.

Spearheaded by Nomashawekazi Damasane, an artistic director, Nkosilesisa Ncube – executive director and Tendai Chimuka, a partnership and business development specialist, the call for participation and training is open until February 29 and it’s for females only.

One of the organisers, Christensen Mapuranga confirmed the developments to Standard Style yesterday.

“It is against this background that we announce the inaugural Her First-ival; this three-day event is a fusion of music, fashion, spoken word, workshops and round tables open for all female artists and female arts stakeholders," he said.

“The festival will premier in Victoria Falls and will rotate around the country each year and will offer opportunities for training in Festival Management and onstage performances for female creatives. We invite all stakeholders and corporates in this exciting journey and look forward to partnering with you."

He said the fete which will be launched in Victoria Falls in August is a first-ever all-female curated and intends to provide a platform for female creatives to showcase their talent, creativity, artistic prowess.

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“This will also help promote and empower women in the arts by challenging societal norms, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the diverse voices and perspectives of female artists," he said.

“Her First-ival will also be the first festival to travel around the nation, taking place in a different province each year. The festival will curate several workshops and conferences on the business end of the event, while several showcases will take place that include music, fashion and spoken word.

“The festival puts women first and hence all the stars at the festival will be women while for some, they will get a first-time opportunity to perform on an international platform which in turn may unlock other opportunities for them."

In addition he said “The festival is notably led by strong women who have experience in the creative and cultural industry and award-winning artists with experience in event management and festival coordination who include Damasane who is artistic director, Ncube – executive director and Chimuka, a partnerships and business development specialist.”

Executive director of Her First-ival the empowerment organization behind the festival, Ncube said if one invests in providing women in the arts with the necessary skills and opportunities, this can help them to reach their full potential as performers and creators.

“If we provide women in the arts industry the necessary skills and a platform, we can inspire and encourage their talent, creativity and artistic abilities both on stage and behind the scenes. This will result in a noticeable increase in the visibility and acknowledgment of women in this field.

“Moreover, it will motivate women to discover and develop their creative capabilities, enhance their confidence, and overcome societal obstacles. Ultimately, this will contribute to enriching and empowering women,”

She said the festival is currently accepting applications from female artists who wish to participate at the festival either as performers and also inspiring festival managers.

“Trainee event or festival managers will undergo four months of training and will be responsible for the coordination of the festival. We are also putting together packages for those that want to attend the festival from all over the country. They are going to be working with partners in the tourism sector so that we have as many people from across the country experiencing not just the festival but also the tourism activities in Victoria Falls” said Ncube.
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