CUT designer calls for more creative arts hubs

Standard People
Chinhoyi University of Technology creative arts designer Belindah Mandizha has pleaded with government and capable arts enthusiasts to facilitate the setting up of more creative arts hubs to magnify the work of fledgling local designers.

By Style Reporter

Chinhoyi University of Technology creative arts designer Belindah Mandizha has pleaded with government and capable arts enthusiasts to facilitate the setting up of more creative arts hubs to magnify the work of fledgling local designers.

Mandizha recently hosted a three-day exhibition where she showcased various creative designs, including 3D artifacts, furniture, handbags and ceramic pottery under the theme Rooted.

Speaking on the sidelines of the showcase launch, which was attended by influential voices in the media and arts sectors, Mandizha said that there is need to harness the power of art designs to influence positive narratives within society.

“Design has the power to impact the society and even the economy so as designers we are the people that if the government or other institutions are able to help us by establishing designing hubs it would go a long way in telling the Zimbabwean story,” she said.

“We have many designers in the country but there are no bases and there is limitation in terms of funds as well as knowledge around design. There is need for hubs where all that creativity is enhanced to boost social awareness and the economy.”

The Rooted exhibition was done in partial fulfilment of her studies in the Degree of Creative Arts and Industrial Design at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

“My theme was to show design is rooted in me designing has always been part of me since I was young, I did art and technical graphics in school so it’s always been there and I have been creative ever since,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mandizha encouraged younger people with a passion for designing to follow their dreams and enroll for such programmes for the betterment of the industry.

“All we need is willingness and people who want to move the nation forward and we can be a better economy through designs that tell the Zimbabwean story,” said Mandizha.