Our Projects
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CREDISI
Project Title: Creative Doversity and Social Inclusion (CREDISI)
Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Year(s): August 2019 -August 2020
Supported By: Culture at Work Africa (CAWA) which is a consortium of eight African, European and International partners
About CREDISI
The project aimed to promote creative diversity and social inclusion among artists in the development of public infrastructure and the institutionalization of urban policies and by-laws. The ‘Creative Diversity and Social Inclusion’ project engaged youth-led organizations, women’s arts groups, and various projects and initiatives, including those by upcoming independent artists and creative clubs
The project involved the Bulawayo City Council, stakeholders, and artists in an intercultural dialogue to build common understanding and social cohesiveness, thereby ironing out conflicts.
The target audience included youth-led organizations, women’s arts groups, creative clubs/hubs, as well as initiatives by upcoming and independent artists in the city. This project was designed to generate confidence and facilitate the implementation of reforms concerning the use of public infrastructure. It aimed to create trust with the local government regarding by-laws and urban policies, and to advocate for any necessary reforms concerning public spaces to ensure social inclusion in urban development. This project was spearheaded by IYASA, in collaboration with the Cultural Department of the Bulawayo City Council. CREDISI receives support from Culture at Work Africa (CAWA), a consortium comprising eight African, European, and international partners. CAWA’s mission is to promote the public value of intercultural dialogue for social cohesion in urban areas throughout Africa.
Isiphiwo Sami
Project Title: Isiphiwo Sami
Location: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Year(s): 2009
About Isiphiwo Sam'
The Isiphiwo Sami Talent Search and Development Programme was established in 2009 with the aim of empowering school-aged children through the arts. Operating under the motto “Creating opportunities and developing skills for the next generation of artists,” the programme offers training workshops that lead to a talent search and development event. Each year, the programme adopts a new theme based on current issues and challenges facing children and youth. It provides a collaborative platform for educators, students, and professional artists and directors to exchange knowledge and expertise with young aspiring artists.
The primary objective of the programme is to rejuvenate the presence of the arts in schools, with a particular focus on theatre, music, and dance. It aims to discover and nurture hidden talents among students. The key goals of the programme include:
- • Nurturing and encouraging emerging talents in secondary and high schools.
- • Imparting specialized knowledge and skills through targeted training and workshops.
- • Fostering a widespread appreciation and ambition for the arts within the school community
- • Offering a competitive arena for the display and enhancement of students’ artistic abilities.
- • Recognizing, endorsing, and elevating artistic talents found within educational institutions.
- • Showcasing the abilities of identified talents from schools.
- • Promoting the exchange of skills among school drama, theatre, and dance groups.
Annually, the programme is conducted during the first term of the school year, with participation from an average of 40 schools. The inception of IYASA stands as a testament to the vast, untapped potential within school environments. Originating from a high school drama club at Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, IYASA exemplifies the journey from a small club to a professional ensemble dedicated to fostering new talent. This initiative serves as a tribute to the roots of IYASA and a commitment to community and social responsibility. IYASA has been instrumental in shaping artists who serve as profound inspirations to the youth. The group’s achievements, both locally and internationally, continue to motivate and guide young aspiring artists.