Arts Peace Cooperative, a Mabvuku-based arts centre formed in 1999, is on the verge of collapse due to lack of funds.
By Problem Masau
The centre that houses 15 resident artistes who specialise in stone, wire craft, tin and wood sculptures, are facing financial challenges and are failing to expand their market.
The centre has in the past years helped to reduce unemployment in the suburb.
Chairperson of the centre, Collin Sixpence said lack of funds had forced them to join performing arts.
“The performing artistes are inactive at the moment because of the absence of equipment,” he said.
“We are trying to secure funds to build a stage for them. Hopefully we will be able to acquire sponsorship by year-end and start the new year on a different note.”
Sixpence said the centre had been facing many challenges since the introduction of multiple currencies in the country.
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“Since the inception of the multiple currency system, tourists are no longer coming to buy our art works like they used to.
“Transport costs for carrying stones from Mvurwi have also become exorbitant and this has lowered our production levels,” he said.
Owen Pfumai, a member at the centre urged the National Arts Council to visit art centres in high-density areas. “We wish the National Arts Council would visit arts centres that are battling to cope with the current economic situation,” said Pfumai.
“We don’t have any source of funding so we are relying on a shoe-string budget.”
He, however, said the centre was looking for new markets in other countries.
“We are looking forward to exploring western markets because their economies are stronger,” Pfumai said.
He challenged government to revive the sculpture industry through funding and marketing.
“We cannot do it alone, but our government must support our artwork through funding, attracting more tourists and marketing our products,” he said.
