Story by Fungai Jachi
AS Zimbabwe celebrates Culture Month, an arts festival dubbed “Harmonies of Expression” held in the capital this Saturday became a platform for Zimbabweans and nationals from various European countries to celebrate and embrace diverse cultures.
Stakeholders have described the Art Festival as a critical platform for showcasing art and cultural exchange while also uniting Zimbabwean and European artists.
European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst Von Kirchmann and Sweden’s top envoy to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Per Lindgarde concurred that such platforms are critical for cultural exchange.
“This festival is giving us a chance to learn from each other and share our cultures. We want to celebrate and appreciate our different unique cultures,” the EU Ambassador said.
“The Zimbabwe EU relations have been focused more on development aid and trade relations which are very important but I think also cultural diplomacy cultural exchange can create a better understanding between the people of Zimbabwe and the people of Europe it can bridge bridges,” Mr Lindgarde said.
Stakeholders in the arts sector believe such platforms bridge cultural gaps.
“Diversity is important and we can only learn and appreciate each other if we know the different cultures. Such platforms play a critical role in cultural exchange. This is what we look for as National Arts Council for local artists, to meet global performers,” the Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Council, Mr Napoleon Nyanhi said.
“There is more to learn from each other as we showcase the different cultures that we have through different artefacts. It is a good and rare opportunity that we have here and we should utilise this chance to learn more,” the Executive Director for the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mr Raphael Chikukwa said.
Apart from showcasing art and cultural exchange, the festival also served as a platform to raise awareness on climate change through art.
