Bulawayo City’s Mayor, David Coltart, has called on artists to take a leading role in promoting Bulawayo and contributing to the growth of the city’s economy.

Speaking during Creative Economy Week held at Oasis in Bulawayo, Coltart emphasised the growing recognition of the arts sector in the city, highlighting the importance of the creative industry in driving economic development.

“The city leadership now has a deeper understanding of the importance of the arts industry and its contribution to economic development. We must recognise the importance of the arts industry and the role it plays in our economy,” said Mayor Coltart.

He cited several Bulawayo-based cultural groups, including Siyaya Arts, Iyasa, and Matojeni, as ambassadors of the city who have helped market Bulawayo locally and internationally.

Mayor Coltart said he believes artists have the power to showcase the city and country through their talent and cultural expression, drawing a comparison with the Zimbabwe national cricket team, which presents a picture of unity in the country.

“When we look at our cricket team, we see black and white players working together.

“They present a picture of our nation, and this is something the arts sector can also demonstrate,”said the Mayor.

The city has taken steps to support the arts, including the Bulawayo June Arts Festival, which celebrates creative talent across disciplines.

“The Bulawayo June Arts Festival is one example of how the city promotes arts. We need the artistic sector to play an active role in that festival,” Coltart said.

Adding that the festival demonstrates the city leaders’ recognition of the role artists play in economic development.

Mayor Coltart also revealed the city is conducting the UNESCO Culture 2030 Survey to analyse the contribution of artists and the cultural sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“We are conducting the UNESCO Culture 2030 survey to analyze the contribution of artists to the GDP and the broader economy.”

Bulawayo’s cultural influence has received international recognition, with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa identifying the city as one of the capitals of the continent’s arts sector.

Mayor Coltart encouraged artists to continue positioning themselves as ambassadors for the city, saying plans are underway to develop creative hubs in Bulawayo.

The city owns several buildings that could be used as artistic spaces, and efforts are being made to address leasing challenges.

“The city has buildings that could be used as creative hubs. One of the issues we are trying to address is the lease system so that these spaces can be used by artists,” Coltart said

Also raising concerns about deteriorating youth centres and discussions to revive them as spaces supporting young creatives.

Mayor Coltart urged artists to work with the city to unlock opportunities within the creative economy and strengthen Bulawayo’s position as a cultural hub in Africa.