Harare — THE Swedish Government, through Sida, yesterday signed a new agreement with the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and unveiled a US$3million funding for the period 2008 to 2010.

Swedish Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sten Rylander and Culture Fund Trust Chairman Mr Luxon Zembe signed the agreement in Harare at a cocktail party attended by the Minister of Education, Sport and Culture Cde Aeneas Chigwedere and several artists.

In a speech before signing the agreement, Ambassador Rylander said he was confident the Culture Fund would go a long way in mitigating suffering and help artists maintain human dignity.

"We have already seen some good results in which various artists in the six culture disciplines have received support to start their respective projects," he said.

Ambassador Rylander said he envisaged that through the various artistic products and through interaction between artists, artistic groups and civil society the artists would realise a greater understanding of democratic principles and share them with their audiences at various fora.

"Sweden also values the potential of the culture sector to contribute to economic growth in Zimbabwe. Artists can be taught to earn a living through their products as well as to export to other countries. Of course, this starts with an enabling environment and we hope that the Trust will play a strong role in creating such an environment," he said.

The ambassador urged other donors, the corporate world and the Government to invest in culture.

"Currently Sida is the only main funding partner but we are keen to see this change as soon as possible.

"We would like to see more funding partners come in and join us in this worthwhile cause which has such huge potential when it comes to empowering the cultural sector in Zimbabwe," he said.

Cde Chigwedere echoed the same sentiments saying Sida's efforts could be supported by the corporate world if the Culture Fund Trust sought to forge partnerships to broaden the funding base.

"If Sida stops working with you (Culture Fund Trust) the way to go would be courting the corporate world just as the soccer fraternity has done.

"If you approach the corporate world, they will come to you because they would rather give you the money which they would give the Minister of Finance anonymously," he said.

The Minister said companies, which contribute to the culture sector, would earn tax rebates as incentives.

Mr Zembe announced that the Fund would acquire musical equipment using the US$50 000 that was put aside for the purpose when it was realised the huge number of applications seeking funds to buy kits.

"The Trust is in the process of implementing the project of purchasing the instruments which include PA systems, mbiras and marimbas," Mr Zembe said.

The PA system, said Mr Zembe, would be given to institutions that are capable of housing, maintaining and hiring them out.

Institutions that were selected to administer the PA systems include the Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare, Zimbabwe Academy of Music and Amakhosi both in Bulawayo.

Six PA systems will be bought and five of them at US$6 000 each and the other one which costs US$2 000 will be given to a Marondera group that performed during the Culture Fund official launch.

Chipawo and the Mbira Centre have so far been identified as manufacturers of local musical instruments apart from training children and the youths how to use them.

"The purchase of mbira and marimba musical instruments is deliberate to ensure the continued existence of these traditional instruments in Zimbabwe. This is also a sign of the Culture Fund's commitment to promoting local cultural industries," Mr Zembe explained.