Said the Executive Director, Maria Wilson,
“Zimbabwe is dealing with many important issues, both social and economic. In this context, the Festival cannot responsibly commit to presenting a viable event of the same quality and impact that HIFA is known for this year…”
THE HARARE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (HIFA) LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH A MAJOR ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL IN 2020
The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is Zimbabwe’s largest arts initiative. The Festival powerfully engages local, regional and international recognition for Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and capacity to achieve the highest standards of artistic presentation. HIFA is widely acknowledged as one of the best arts and culture initiatives on the Continent, bringing together corporate investors, embassy and donor partners, local and visiting artists, large and enthusiastic audiences, and the media. The Festival proudly and joyfully celebrates the best of Zimbabwe.
HIFA has announced that the organization will not stage the event in 2019 and will focus on new projects leading up to a major anniversary Festival in 2020. As explained by the Executive Director, Maria Wilson, “Zimbabwe is dealing with many important issues, both social and economic. In this context, the Festival cannot responsibly commit to presenting a viable event of the same quality and impact that HIFA is known for this year. The Festival will use this time to work on other projects, particularly in schools, to broaden and deepen the organisation’s contribution to arts and culture development. Showcasing the artistic outcomes of our planned new school programmes will be one facet of the next Festival, 28 April to 3 May 2020.
In addition to presenting the Festival, HIFA works throughout the year on initiatives that build capacity within the local arts community, use arts and culture to explore social and community issues, and assist companies realise their marketing and PR potential through creative thinking.
ABOUT HIFA
The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is an annual 6-day arts and culture celebration taking place in the capital city of Zimbabwe, Harare. It began in 1999 and is the most prominent and prestigious showcase for Zimbabwean arts as well as a platform for performances and exhibitions by visiting international artists and groups. It is celebrated for supporting local arts and culture initiatives by presenting diverse artistic work for the broadest audiences, including international promoters and culture practitioners, media, and huge numbers of enthusiastic art-lovers. It has a proven track record of success and is widely recognized for its unifying, spirit-lifting and community development achievements. It is Zimbabwe’s largest arts event, and one of the most acclaimed Festivals in Africa.