By Sandra Maricho
Chirumhanzu-born visual artist Keith Zenda says his work is inspiring youths in Midlands province, which is prompting him to open an arts centre in Lower Gweru.
Zenda said he grew up in the rural areas and he knows the hardships youths face, which compelled him to come up with such an initiative.
“l have plans to open an arts centre in Lower Gweru to give opportunities to other young artistes who are failing to make it in life,” Zenda told Standard Style last week.
“I am targeting artistes of different trades such as dancers, musicians and poets among others. A lot of talented youths are spending most of their time doing nothing at shopping centres and some have resorted to substance abuse. My vision is to give these youths hope.”
“The project is now at an advanced stage because the land is now available and what is left is putting up a few structures to kickstart the programme. We are going to advise the public after the project is done.”
Zenda said he did not have the opportunity to get arts lessons because the schools he attended did not offer the subject.
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“l was born an artist because l was passionate about drawing while in primary school and l perfected my talent at secondary school,” he said.
“I would like to urge other young people to identify their talents and be self-reliant other than searching for jobs from others.”
The youthful artist said he has been exhibiting his work at the National Arts Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare and Bulawayo and recently took part at the Wild Geese Arts Festival in the capital.
Internationally his work is also exhibited in South Africa and he said foreigners appreciate arts more than locals.
“Arts is very much appreciated by foreigners and a number of tourists buy our products as compared to locals,” he said.
“We are not very much appreciated by locals as opposed to tourists and the industry is earning the much-needed foreign currency. Government should support us since we have the potential to contribute to the economy.”
