By Marshia Mutambi

MARONDERA– In a significant move for the arts sector, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has announced a strategic partnership with DNM Attorneys, to provide specialised legal assistance to artists across the nation.

This collaboration aims to empower creatives by offering support in contract negotiations, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution among others.

The partnership is also a testament to a shared commitment to safeguard the intellectual property rights of artists and the initiative comes at a crucial time when artists face challenges related to exploitation, piracy and a lack of legal recourse for protecting their work.

Speaking at a recent signing ceremony, NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi emphasised the importance of the partnership to the creative community.

“Our artists deserve to profit from their own work. They have been victims of piracy and unfair contracts, which robs them of their livelihoods. Protecting them ensures that Zimbabwean art, music and stories remain authentically ours,” he said.

Nyanhi further noted that a secure legal environment would attract investment and foster innovation across various artistic fields, including film, music, literature, and visual arts.

He said: “We are honoured to partner with DNM Attorneys, a firm with a proven track record in IP law. Their pro-bono services will be a game-changer for artists who previously had no access to legal assistance.”

A senior partner at DNM Attorneys, Moses Nkomo commended the firm’s commitment to supporting the arts sector.

“We wish to see a stable and economically significant sector. We have committed to providing assistance through training, capacity building, and policy interventions, educating artists on what the law can do for them.”

The law firm plans to assist the NACZ in various areas, including the National Intellectual Property Policy, advocating for deterrent measures against IP infringement, and guiding artists on how to monetize and manage their rights effectively.

“Artists must understand that their work has value and needs protection. They should seek legal advice before signing contracts and report any piracy or unauthorised use of their creations,” Nkomo added.

The partnership represents a bold step toward restoring power to creators who shape the nation’s identity and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reaffirms that Zimbabwean art is not just for consumption but a legacy that must be protected.

Through these efforts, NACZ and DNM Attorneys aim to create a more equitable and thriving environment for artists across Zimbabwe.