The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo team led by the Director, Silenkosi Moyo, successfully conducted a 2-day workshop on 26 July 2022 and 27 July 2022. The event took place in Gwanda at Mtshabezi building, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, NACZ, boardroom. Artists drawn from the Visual arts category converged for the prestigious occasion. The participants were welcomed by the NACZ manager, Percy Vela. The facilitators were Silenkosi Moyo and Joseph Munyuki who is an Artist and Sales Assistant at the Gallery.
It was a highly practical and theoretical empowerment training programme that equipped participants with vast knowledge in areas that are meant to ensure that they flourish in their respective areas of specialization.
The workshop was also meant to raise awareness of the existence of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in promoting visual artists in Zimbabwe. A database of artists based in Gwanda who are involved in visual art related works was created.
The following are some of the pieces of artworks that were on display
- Glass and plastic beaded art in the form of necklaces, earrings, head gear and handbags,
- Digital innovative fine art pieces of work
- Paintings and drawings
Wood carvers and sketchers were also present
Copyright and intellectual property issues were also touched on as key areas to be considered by artists. This is a broad area that every creative was expected to be knowledgeable about. Copyright basically seeks to protect the expression of a person’s idea or creation from being copied by another person. This means that the owner of a particular creation is the only person who has the sole right to reproduce, publish, or distribute his/her work for a certain period.
It was well explained that at times owners of intellectual property can sell or transfer their copyright (protection rights) to others and this must be clearly stated by the artist. The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation, ARIPO was cited as one of the organisations that exist to promote the development of Copyright and Intellectual property related issues as well as to demystify this abstract field for the general populace to understand.
This enlightening programme also touched on pertinent areas that are meant to develop artists as brands that sell well presented products to the target market. They were taught about how to write an artist statement, a biography as well as a curriculum vitae. An artist statement is written in the first-person narrative while a biography is in third person narrative. An exercise was carried out where all creatives presented their artist statement and profile. They were encouraged to ensure that they work on perfecting these two areas as they define who they are and what their brand is all about.
The participants were taught about the importance of safeguarding their projects to prepare for eventualities such as when death occurs, this meant that as artists they needed to plan their estate by taking several factors into consideration.
They were taught that it is them who must decide who they want to be responsible for their artworks and how they want these to be handled in the event of death. Emphasis was also made on the importance of having an inventory or a collection of their artworks as artists. A list of what has been created, what has been sold at how much, to who, and what they intend to create was mentioned as one of the most important items to be readily available.
Participants were also taught on how to properly package their artworks to be ready for exhibition, practical demonstrations on how this procedure is carried out was well outlined where emphasis was on smart and good presentation that sells. They were urged to securely frame their works and to avoid bringing incomplete art works to the gallery.
Collaborative efforts were emphasized as key in ensuring that artists realise their full potential as one cannot be an expert in all areas of their art, hence the need to engage other parties to produce a perfect masterpiece.
The participants were also taught about the importance of digital marketing that can be done on social media and other digital platforms where the creatives can exhibit and promote their works online. This is a technique that ensures that artists expand their global reach and be able to receive quick feedback from their audience for growth and development in the industry. Brand visibility online is necessary as it attracts foreign audience who can consider investing in their artwork.
On pricing their masterpieces, the participants were encouraged to first do a thorough research that will guide them when they come up with their prices to avoid under charging or overcharging. To establish and maintain good relations with customers was one of the areas that were considered key to the sustenance of any business venture.
A very informative summary of what transpired. We hope we are going to dust our feet and work very hard to achieve our goals. Thank you.