A GROUNDBREAKING baseline study has been conducted in Zimbabwe to examine the current state of public investment in the culture sector.
The study, commissioned by Selam under the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, provides valuable insights into government funding of culture and identifies key stakeholders to enhance lobbying efforts for cultural development.
Selam, the Swedish organisation behind CfCA, has a rich history dating back to 1997.
Over the years, it has evolved to an international player, partnering artists, cultural producers, the private sector, media institutions, researchers and national and regional governments across Africa and other regions globally.
Said Selam Sweden executive director Teshome Wondimu: “As a participant in global and African cultural networks, Selam has a deep understanding of the challenges being faced by the creative industries. We are only advocating for the allocation of 1% of national budgets to the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries by 2030.”
This baseline study is the first to specifically focus on government funding for culture, highlighting the National Cultural Policy and the need for public funding to support its broad strategies and sector-specific action plans.
“For decades, the creative industries have been a driving force behind the continent’s growth, yet they remained severely underfunded. It is against this backdrop that the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative was born,” Wondimu told NewsDay Life & Style.
He added: “The vibrant enthusiasm of Africa’s youth is a testament to the potential of the cultural sector to drive growth, innovation and social change. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to support initiatives like CfCA and advocate for increased funding and resources for the cultural sector. Only then can we unlock the full potential of Africa’s creative economy and build a brighter future for generations to come.”
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According to the study, the mapping of funding sources and modes of engagement for the culture sector in Zimbabwe has been limited to corporate and non-profit support.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Josh Nyapimbi, the executive director for Nhimbe Trust and CfCA Project Zimbabwe baseline researcher said: “The study’s approach involved discussions with government ministries, their agencies and artists and cultural professionals from the broader creative civil society.
“Key informant interviews, a review of national annual budget and data provided by relevant ministries were also used to gather information.”
In recent years, initiatives such as the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust have been working to promote the cultural sector and support artists and cultural professionals.
“The government’s support for the arts, culture and heritage sectors is scattered across at least 14 ministries and departments, with no clear priorities or monitoring mechanisms in place,” Nyapimbi added.
“As of 2024, the annual budget allocation for culture stands at 1,24% which is over the 1% that we are asking for. However, the impact of this funding is unclear due to lack of a structured system for distributing public funds to culture.”
According to Nyapimbi, allocating sufficient financial resources to the cultural sector is vital.
“This is key for preserving heritage, fostering creativity and recognising the importance of creative and cultural industries in driving economic growth and social cohesion.
“Governments should focus on investing in modern facilities, digital platforms and resources that empower artists and cultural practitioners to excel globally,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s national budget is a powerful tool that shapes the lives of artists and the cultural sector as a whole.
Despite its significance, artists and cultural professionals have not been actively involved in the budget-making process, excluding themselves from decision-making and oversight.
This lack of engagement is not limited to the cultural sector, but is also evident among civil society organisations, parliamentarians and the media.
“To address these challenges, there is need for an overarching framework and systems for public funding of culture in Zimbabwe, aligned with international best practices.
“This will enable artists and cultural professionals to hold the government accountable for its use of public funds and ensure that the cultural sector receives the support it deserves,” Nyapimbi emphasised.
He also pointed out the importance of constructive dialogue with the government, backed by data and practical propositions.
“This approach has been instrumental in making meaningful progress on budget allocations and policy changes," he said.
“To address the challenges facing Africa’s cultural sector, grassroots advocacy and strong public participation during budget planning processes are essential. This includes the effective use of allocated budgets to secure future funding. Diversifying funding sources and fostering collaborative partnerships among stakeholders are also crucial for enhancing financial sustainability and promoting cultural development.
“Infrastructural development is key to enabling the sector to reach its full potential and contribute significantly to our economies. Governments should also facilitate public-private partnerships and ensure policies and frameworks support such engagements for a vibrant cultural ecosystem,” Nyapimbi added.
The study’s findings are expected to be widely shared with stakeholders, including government officials, artists and cultural professionals.
In response to the study’s findings, CfCA has pledged to continue advocating for increased public funding for culture in Zimbabwe, with a focus on building the capacity of both government and independent oversight institutions.
