Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA)


Through the SSADZA initiative, Switzerland will support Zimbabwean artists to create new work, build networks, and engage audiences, enriching the arts landscape economically and socially. The programme will stimulate social change and enhance civil society by promoting the arts and culture as a catalyst for debate, social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and localisation. SSADZA will also participate in policy influencing with donors and government for increased financial support to the sector.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Zimbabwe
Culture / development awareness
Culture & recreation
01.09.2024 - 30.09.2028
CHF  1’700’000
Background In Zimbabwe, the arts and culture sector contends with minimal public funding and primarily relies on short-term donor contributions and limited commercial proceeds from the sale of art. This perpetuates informality and jeopardises both artistic quality and financial stability. Economic and political pressures further discourage collaboration and innovation, stifling cultural creativity. These challenges underscore broader societal issues, including limited critical discourse and inadequate platforms for artists to exchange ideas. These factors further exacerbate tensions around freedom of expression and holding government accountable. Despite a robust policy framework, skepticism remains regarding the government’s commitment to effective implementation. Legal barriers further limit the ability of the sector to promote peace and civic engagement.
Objectives Key cultural actors in Zimbabwe are strengthened and supported to promote social cohesion, strengthen civic space, and enhance community participation through cultural engagement.
Target groups Direct beneficiaries include artists, artistic and cultural initiatives, and cultural spaces. Indirect beneficiaries include the general public and policymakers. The project is committed to achieving equitable national geographic coverage, allocating a minimum 30% of funds to artists and initiatives outside of Harare.
Medium-term outcomes

Objective 1: Artistic and cultural opportunities in Zimbabwe are enhanced through targeted small grants to artists and arts organisations.

Objective 2: Reach and capacity of the Alliance Française is enhanced, confirming its role as a dynamic centre of excellence and innovation for artists.

Objective 3: Identify and support innovative artistic and cultural initiatives, fostering their growth and sustainability while enhancing social cohesion and civic participation through inclusive dialogue, empowerment of marginalised voices, and strengthening community resilience.

Objective 4: Facilitate policy influencing with donors and government for increased support to the arts sector.

Results

Expected results:  

  • 80 artists and 5 arts organisations receive grants to produce new artistic work and showcase it at exhibitions, festivals and workshops
  • 40 artists are trained in business management and financial literacy
  • Alliance Française curates and hosts 15 events that feature old and new work by artists
  • 250 artists (60%+ women) are nurtured and connected to new audiences, potential funders / investors, and markets
  • Two policy issues are discussed and followed through with the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture
  • Enhanced knowledge sharing occurs among stakeholders in the sector


Results from previous phases:   Switzerland’s support for the Regional Arts and Culture Programme in Southern Africa, managed by Pro Helvetia, concluding in 2022, achieved significant results. It facilitated 400 residencies and collaborations benefiting nearly 800 artists. Over 900 artists received business management training through 150 workshops held across eight countries. Mobility grants enabled 173 performances and exhibitions, fostering cultural exchange and expanding visibility for 1’000 artists to new audiences. A number of artists from the programme managed to showcase their work at regional and international exhibitions. The programme revealed key insights: (i) Despite its modest scale, mobility was crucial in empowering artists to innovate and enhance their incomes. (ii) It underscored the pivotal role of small, independent arts organisations in identifying talent and disseminating trainings locally to individual artists. The programme was under increased demand for support due to lack of regional funding for the sector.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Private sector
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • Stimulus Africa Zimbabwe; Alliance Française; British Council Zimbabwe


Coordination with other projects and actors Coordination with other donors active in the arts and culture sector – US, France, Sweden, European Union, Netherlands, Australia and Germany will be scaled up through the active engagement and lead in the nascent coordination mechanism.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’700’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    99’768 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’700’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.09.2024 - 30.09.2028   (Current phase)