2
0
INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
AVAC Arts is an arts sector focused community development initiative (social enterprise) that was founded by Terrence Tawanda Musiyiwa during the year 2002. The entity was eventually registered in 2003. AVAC Arts was a necessity created after realising the opportunities and challenges faced by Chitungwiza stone sculptors.
Our operations are aligned to the National Development Strategy 1 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AVAC Arts advocates for fair trade practices in our dealings with both the artists and buyers hence ensuring a win-win scenario for all parties and the nation at large. The company was registered with the Registrar of Companies in 2003 under the Zimbabwe Companies Act (Chapter 24:03) under registration number 21142/2003.
Chitungwiza was formed in 1978 by the amalgamation of Seki, Zengeza and St Mary’s as a dormitory town. The name Chitungwiza was derived from Dungwiza, the village of legendary prophet Chaminuka. Chitungwiza is rated the third largest and fastest growing (High density) urban settlement after Harare and Bulawayo. Chitungwiza is one of the most prominent high density areas in Zimbabwe where many stone sculptors have learnt stone sculpting through mentorship at the Chitungwiza Arts Centre.
The Chitungwiza Arts Centre was established in 1997 by the then Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture. The project was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its poverty alleviation plan. The Chitungwiza Municipality donated the land.
Art trade is a sustainable alternative employment that disregards the age or level of education.
As AVAC Arts we believe that art trade can contribute immensely towards foreign currency generation, poverty alleviation, income generation, employment creation and as a way to keep younger generations out of crime, sexual exploitation and drug abuse.
We work with a network of almost 1000 artists in Zimbabwe primarily working from Chitungwiza, Harare, Tengenenge, Mashava, Mvurwi, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. Since 2003, we have fundamentally been promoting, marketing and selling Zimbabwean art and tourism globally through our website (www.avacarts.com) and social media platforms.
OUR APPEAL
We publicly asking for financial assistance to complete setting up our first outdoor gallery at the Victoria Falls International Airport and for rentals. Our target is to open on the 1st of January 2023. AVAC Arts together with the Zimbabwe Arts industry has been adversely affected by the global recession resulting from the COVID pandemic and the Russia – Ukraine war.
Our establishment at the Victoria Falls International Airport will definitely benefit many artists and households.
Below are the financial requirements to establish the gallery.
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS
Local Setting Up Expenditures:
Rent (4 months) $1,374.00
Display Plinths $400.00
Chainsaw Hire $300.00
Labour Hire $750.00
Local Collections $500.00
Material costs $250.00
Installation and maintenance services hire $1,000.00
Packing & Loading Costs $1,200.00
Intercity Collection of artworks $1,960.00
Total Set Up Costs 7,734.00
Own Contributions $2,000.00
Current Donations $2,500.00
Current Deficit $3,234.00
To date we have been able to get US$2,500.00 from 2 well wishers leaving us with a deficit of US$3,234.00.
CONCLUSION
Our ability through your assistance to set up the gallery would significantly improve our overall market reach, market validation and overall sales performance. The gallery will benefit many Zimbabwean artists post the global COVID pandemic that has had a negative impact to the tourism sector.
Because of an increase in cyber-crime, many people are afraid to buy online and thus creating a physical presence for AVAC Arts would help validate us as an authentic Zimbabwean company trading online.
This campaign is a platform for volunteers, art lovers, donors, philanthropists, our partners and private companies to contribute towards improving the well-being of our arts communities by assisting us set up our first outdoor public art gallery at the Victoria Falls International airport.
We also hope once we are established and financially sound to establish one of the biggest art centres in Africa that represents African Visual & Contemporary Arts and cultures.
Sadly we do not have PayPal in Zimbabwe and hence payments can only be done through Bank transfers, World Remit, Western Union. You can contact us via email info@avacarts.com or via WhatsApp on +263772451532. Please help us make this dream come true.
Merry Christmas and God bless you.
Yours Sincerely
Terrence Tawanda Musiyiwa
Founding Director & Curator
