Creative Economy Week 2025 Brings a Vision for Sustainable Growth in the Arts

Zimbabwe’s creative sector took center stage as the Creative Economy Week 2025 kicked off at the British Council in Harare, and Bulawayo headed by the British Council regional arts director Farai Ncube Tarwireyi bringing together industry leaders, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs for a week-long exploration of innovation and collaboration.
With the theme “Growth Reimagined,” the event is positioning the arts as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
Co-funded by the Embassy of Switzerland and the British Council, this initiative accentuates the growing recognition of the creative industries as key economic drivers. In his opening remarks, Richard Nyamanhindi, representing the Swiss Embassy, emphasized that the arts have always played a pivotal role in shaping economies. He noted that creativity is not just an expression and a tool for transformation, allowing artists, musicians, and designers to turn constraints into opportunities.

The British Council’s Lucy Pearson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the long-term commitment of the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) program to nurture talent and expand Zimbabwe’s creative footprint globally. She stressed that strategic investment in cultural industries is essential to unlocking their full economic potential.

Adding to the speeches, the Director of Arts and Culture in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Dr. Biggie Samwanda underscored the importance of structured support mechanisms, calling for stronger policies, investment in infrastructure, and legal frameworks to protect intellectual property. He pointed out that while passion fuels creativity, long-term success demands financial backing and institutional support.

Throughout the week, creatives will participate in interactive discussions, masterclasses, and industry showcases, covering a diverse range of artistic disciplines. Key highlights include:
• Music Contracts & Copyrights Masterclass: Legal and industry experts, including Jabulani Kwaramba (Honey & Blanckenberg) and Kefiloe Molefe (Sheer Publishing Africa), will guide musicians on safeguarding and monetizing their work.
• Fashion Exhibition & Fireside Chat: Led by Danayi Madondo (Haus of Stone), this event marks the official launch of Creative DNA Zimbabwe, a British Council initiative empowering emerging fashion designers.
• Design Think Tank: Fine artist Lin Barrie will explore the use of sustainable and indigenous materials in fashion and visual arts.
• Publishing & Literature Roundtable: Featuring poet Maggie Chideme, this session will discuss evolving business models and technological innovations in publishing.

In a special initiative, young creatives from different countries visited the Patrick Mavros studio, where they explored the intersection of art, craftsmanship, and business—gaining firsthand insights into how creativity can drive commercial success.
With support from stakeholders including the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Recreation, as well as partnerships across the public and private sectors, Creative Economy Week 2025 goes beyond mere celebration. It lays the groundwork for a sustainable creative ecosystem, ensuring that Zimbabwean artists and cultural entrepreneurs not only thrive locally but also expand their impact on the global stage.
As discussions continue, the event is a launch pad for new collaborations, policy developments, and investment opportunities, reinforcing the idea that Zimbabwe’s creative economy is about artistic expression nd national progress and economic resilience.