National Institute of Allied Arts Zimbabwe

Established in 1913, The National Institute of Allied Arts (NIAA) set out to ensure that our country’s vibrant arts, culture and creativity would thrive, continue and develop, for the enjoyment of now and future generations. To achieve this, artistic creativity requires nurturing in children from a young age. The NIAA has over the decades with its four annual festivals, helped provide the structur

es, spaces, deadlines and recognition of achievements that encourage artistic enthusiasm and focus. Children coming up as budding writers, artists and musicians through these festivals by performing in them develop the enjoyment and practice of the art form of their choice which lasts a lifetime. This sustains the arts into the future and both creates audiences, and feeds their desire for art. The NIAA festivals are a hub and creative ‘factory’ around which generations of young people have fine-tuned their artistic skills, discovered their talents and developed the discipline needed to become tomorrow’s artists. The Institute’s four annual events, the Vocal and Instrumental Eisteddfod in March, and Speech and Drama, Literary and Visual Arts Festivals in June and July, are a pivot around which teachers mould up and coming artists of tomorrow. They provide enjoyable and important goals upon which to focus artistic attention, practice and discipline. Achievements through the Institute’s certificates, awards and trophies annually, bring pleasure, pride and a measure of artistic progress through the years. The Eisteddfod and Speech and Drama Festivals are adjudicated by internationally renowned professionals, some, alumni of the Institute, a pleasing tribute to its efforts, and are instrumental in launching artistic careers. Each Festival culminates in a concert or exhibition of outstanding entries, providing the public with the opportunity to sample and enjoy these art forms.