Culture

Art and culture are important sources of power for the development of a society. The encounter with a other culture makes persons look at each other in a different way, initiate debate and teaches people to appreciate each other. This meeting gives new insights, ideas and initiatives.

The Culture Committee of the stedenband brings the people of Haarlem and Mutare in contact with each other trough art and culture and aims at long term exchanges. From visual arts, theatre and music to film and literature. The intention of the committee is to create knowledge and appreciation for traditions, art and culture among the people of Haarlem and Mutare.

One of the sculptures made for the Damaststraat neighbourhood at Haarlem by Mutarese sculpters

Stripped bare to the bone
From the 1st of June to the August 31st there is a exhibition of cartoons at the Mondiaal Centrum Haarlem under the name stripped bare to the bone.
Participants are:
Zapiro (South Africa)
Tony Namate (Zimbabwe)
Blessing Mukuze (Zimbabwe)
Paul Bogaert (Nederland

The main subjects of the exhibition are the political situation at Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe and HIV/AIDS.

Art, culture and development

People in developing countries often find hold on in their religion, traditions and culture. They become very creative in difficult times. This creativity is important to avoid stagnation of the society. Art and culture are important sources of power for development.

Both internationally and nationally the importance of art in development cooperation is recognized the last years. Art and culture makes persons look at each other in a different way, initiate debate and teaches people to appreciate each other. Art is often a refuge for freedom of expression even in societies where these freedoms are suppressed.

Zimbabwe is in a deep social and economic crisis. In times of crisis there are hardly any cultural events, tradition events and rituals organized or practiced. Resulting in diminished contact of people with the society in which they live. Especially in these times it is important that the social network forms a system where people can find support. Culture and art supply contribute to solidarity and identity.

Already for a number of years the partner organisation of the City Link, Local Action 21 at Mutare presses the wish for cooperation between Haarlem and Mutare on culture, with the aim to stimulate and develop the arts at Mutare and to develop a exchange program between the two cities.

The power of this cooperation is the participation of the people of Mutare and the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of the volunteers and employees of both LA21 at Mutare and the City Link at Haarlem.  

Hidden stories
From 2 October to the first weekend in November there will be an exhibition of Zimbabwean art at the Grote or Bavo Church at the Grote Markt in the center of Haarlem. More information about the exhibition: Hidden stories