CreativeACTIONs 1 (2020-2021) sought to boost the momentum of creative movements, strengthen capacities for more sustainable creative ecosystems that can contribute to reaching Zimbabwe’s Sustainable Development Goals and targets. We promoted and showcased shared values of action partners. Creative movements supported to promote values such as respect for cultural diversity and gender equality, freedom of expression, access to information and Culture and fundamental human rights; contributed to social cohesion, helped reduce inequalities and  assist in improving viability of Zimbabwe's creative sector and its creative industries.  While substantial creative capacities exist in Zimbabwe - reflecting the transformative power of Culture and the Arts; their manifestations vary in strength and relevance within increasingly digitalized global cultures.  Creative sector innovations are powerful vectors for positive social values and behaviors. CreativeACTIONs 1 strengthened identified creative and innovative capacities within targeted groups; their diversity of expression, while boosting capacities to improve livelihoods, contributed to more cohesive communities. Here are some of those successes;

• improved employability and economic opportunities. For example, it opened access to new and alternative markets for the creative sector in Harare such as the Maasrdorp, Sam Levy as well as international markets in Tanzania for graduates of the Forbes Mushipe mentorship project.

• Craft projects (Chilelema in Binga & Hlengwe in Chiredzi) supported increased sales by more than 15% and enhanced income opportunities for 121 women creatives. This raised agency for women decision making within communities and incorporation of creative sector initiatives in local political economy landscape.

• 20 murals painted under the Caligraph project, generated debates in public spaces and brought well-come colour to Mbare, Chitungwiza and Makokoba among others. 

• Investments in 52 social infrastructures under projects like Mbare Art Space saw vital regeneration of a disused beer-garden and attraction of a creative community and precinct. Some of these spaces – like My Beautiful Homes – became beacons of wide community interactions; women led mural paintings of Ndebele rural homes restored heritage, energized identities and earned tangible assets for some 70 winners. Prizes such as chickens, water-storage tanks and farming implements gave women assets to better fend for families.

• There were successes in improved institutional capacities - financial management, project cycle management, M&E as well as outcomes reporting. These processes improved professionalism and accountability capacities.

• 40% of the 21 projects funded were female-led and 4 were dedicated almost exclusively to women focus and reach (Media Arts Zimbabwe, Kunzwana Women’s Association, Hear Ladies Speak &My Beautiful Homes). These women stamped a mark and have become agents of change, respected creatives and better skilled professionals – some in previously male-exclusive areas such as DJs and music production.

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