A new creative hub whose aim is to empower young people, journalists and artists through art and new media has been established in Bulawayo.
By Our Correspondent
The Centre for Innovation and Technology (Cite) is one of the first creative hubs to be set up in the city.
Cite was established last year and officially registered as a trust early this year.
While the idea of setting up creative hubs might be knew in Zimbabwe, it is something that has gained currency in Africa over the years.
According to Africa Hubs, crowdmap, there are 70 hubs of various types across the continent.
Cite founders said they wanted to create space and promote “artivism”, which is the creative integration of art and activism for social change and impact.
Zenzele Ndebele, one of the centre’s founders said they wanted to create a space where young people from different backgrounds and professions could meet and discuss ideas as well as collaborate on various projects and inventions.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The Centre for Innovation and Technology seeks to create space where young people and artists can meet and train on how to use technology and new media to promote their work, disseminate information and also reach wider audiences,” he said.
“To achieve this, Cite has set up a creative hub where creatives can network.
“They will have access to facilities such as high-speed internet, production facilities and access to audiences for their art using new technology platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, among others.
“We will also organise training workshops on new media trends.”
Ndebele said the centre would also encourage the use of art as a medium of communication on important cultural, social and political issues.
“Young people will be trained in digital journalism, blogging, video filming and podcasting,” he said.
“We will work closely with technical companies in conducting research on the development of mobile applications.”
Ndebele said they were motivated to set up the hub by the desire to have an organisation that rides on the use of new technologies and art to support social movements, talented change makers and innovators.
“We also realised that while new media plays a very important role in creating awareness and raising different social, economic and political issues, it cannot be fully effective if it not fused with other offline media like art,” he said.
“The success of this open space hinges on the involvement of young people who are mostly the ones who use new media and those in the art sector.
“It also depends on being rooted in the community and the participation of the community.
“The Centre for Innovation and Technology seeks to create a space where young people from different backgrounds and professions can meet, discuss ideas and collaborate on various projects and inventions.”
Ndebele said the centre would also host weekly discussions on socio-political issues and performances, as well as conduct research on technology and alternative means of communication. A coffee shop will also be set up.
