Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
ACTION Hub provides an incubation space for young creatives and makers from disadvantaged communities to connect, ideate and produce critical audio-visual content that challenges unjustified and repressive societal norms. Its main aim is to provide mentorship to talented yet disadvantaged youths and women into independent and self-sufficient community creatives capable of producing more socially-conscious audio-visual content which can be distributed online for wider reach.
ACTION Hub identifies, mentor, connect and support community creatives to effectively produce independent and critical work that is not just creative but challenges unjustified societal norms while stimulating debate and dialogue for community action. The Hub provides a fit-for-purpose platform for young artists, designers and makers to be producers or creators of critical artistic work connected by an active and sustainable give-and-take relationship between themselves and the hub to ensure perpetual sustainability of the project.
The mentored creatives produce creative and critical audio-visual content in the form of music, poetry, comedy, dance and perfomance arts that is packaged for online distribution to reach a wider audience and spark discussions for action. Mentored creatives also have access to Theatre paBridge (a formerly dis-used foot-bridge in Highfield which was regenerated by EDZAIISU Trust into a community arts centre) to perform or showcase their socially-conscious work to the community which is captured for online distribution. The live performances captures and project alternative viewpoints on big issues affecting society in an innovative way that challenges or questions certain norms in society thereby enhancing public debate and dialogue for community action. In so doing, the project is also contributing to the successful regeneration of the formerly degenerating Machipisa foot-bridge into a vibrant community arts hub of creativity for community engagement and action.
Website of the measure/initiative, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
The initiative has successfully lived to its purpose of being a creative and innovative space for artists and makers to co-ideate, co-create and co-promote socially conscious artworks that promote human rightds and fundamental freedoms in the community. Some of the notable results achieved include :
Successfully setting-up the ACTION Hub as a first-of-its kind in the high-density suburb of Harare which to date has provided mentorship to fifty talented yet disadvantaged youth and women from the community with not only skills to develop their craft but necessary space and tools to be champions of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Establishment of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Festival which was a rallying point for artists, civic society organisations, government agencies and citizens in promoting human rights.
Promotion of collaborations among creatives, with some establishing their own professional organizations e.g New Generations Youth Club.
Regeneration of a formerly degenerating foot-bridge into a community art hub of engagement, education and empowerment.
Empowerment of women in arts as creatives and agents of social good or human rights.