CHINHOYI – MOST Artists in Mashonaland West are reluctant to register with the National
Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) though there are many benefits for those registered.
Provincial head of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), Lerato Ndlovu, said one of
the major reasons for this reluctance was lack of knowledge.
The artists in Mashonaland West lack knowledge, hence they do not know the benefits that
come with registration. Some are even ignorant and sometimes the jargon used is also a
hindrance to some.
Ndlovu highlighted the numerous benefits that come with registering with NACZ.
Being registered with NACZ, helps artists to import equipment free of charge, with no duty. “
She said that the Government gazetted that any artist intending to perform at state occasions
should be registered.
Only registered creatives are legible to receive grants from the Government.”
The artists are assisted in many ways if they register.
It helps one to get employment and skills development and learning opportunities, as well as
networking in Zimbabwe and outside Zimbabwe from Government initiatives, embassy
initiatives, local and international festivals, residency programmes and exchange programmes.
Ndlovu highlighted that non-registered artists were not eligible for any support they may require
or expect from the NACZ.
Mashonaland West NACZ is hosting workshops and using social media to educate artists on why
they should register with NACZ.

They have created a platform, where artists can seek information and help on any arts-related
issues.
Local artist Kundai Chipokore, popularly known as Kayskid, said some of the registration
requirements were the stumbling block that impedes them from registering and NACZ should do
away with them.
I want to register but the problem is they want to register us in groups only. So, they turn us
away and we are told to come back in groups so that we can register.
So, we end up incurring more expenses of traveling to and from. The least they could do is
register us when we are more than half of the number required (5), they should at least register
us.
Another artist, who requested anonymity, also added that the issue of registering in groups
brought more harm than good to passionate artists.
Truly speaking, the challenge we face is I want to register as an artist only but we end up being
bundled together with other artists, who are not passionate about art.”