The MoU includes cultural and creative exchange programs, heritage preservation and arts education partnerships.
The National Council of the Arts South Africa (NACSA) and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Johannesburg on Monday as a way of developing arts and culture in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The document was signed by NAC Interim Chief Executive Officer Julie Defofah and NACZ Executive Director Napoleon Nyanhi.
The two countries will cooperate and partner in areas of mutual interest with the aim of promoting and developing the arts and culture sectors of both countries.
Memorandum
The MoU includes cultural and creative exchange programs, heritage preservation, arts education partnerships, residencies and institutional exchanges including internships and training.
Defofa said it was vital that both parties share knowledge and lessons learned from each other's experiences, particularly for NACSA to strengthen its policy framework and for NACZ to strengthen its funding model.
Established in 1997, the NAC is a funding body of the Department of National Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
It is South Africa's largest arts and culture funder, serving most of the arts sectors including dance, music, theatre, crafts, literature, visual arts and multidisciplinary arts.
Related article: A level playing field: McKenzie and Gwalbe sign Memorandum of Understanding for return of school sports
Opportunities in SA schools
Last week, DSAC Minister Gayton McKenzie and Minister for Basic Education Siviwe Gwalbe signed a memorandum of understanding to bring back sport in schools.
Gwalbe said there are 13.5 million students in public schools and all of them deserve the opportunity to play sports at school.
“So whether you are from KwaKwa, Khumbu or Sandton, we want to give you the same amount of opportunity to play sport and take part in culture,” Gwalbe asserted.
The move was welcomed by the National Children's Theatre (NCT).
“This is a huge step in the right direction for our children's future and our country's creative environment,” said NCT CEO Tamara Goulds.
“For too long, access to quality arts education has been unequal, hindering the development of essential life skills and stifling the creative potential in countless young minds,” Garth said.
Read now: National Children's Theatre welcomes Memorandum of Understanding between Education and DSAC departments