Developing Value Together

Today the SELFestival started with speakers from Zimbabwe and Uganda. Rudo Nondo spoke about the work she has done as a cultural entrepreneur, activist and leader of an organisation, one that is built on voluntary labour. Letaru Dralega talked about her own practice that showed how mixed mediums reflected her messages about the dynamics of displacement and her work with others to create new forms of support structures to develop artists and the markets/audiences.

Both inspired with how they are designing approaches that support creatives, not following Western models, but creating work that reflects the needs, ambition and potential of their communities. Leturu spoke of the emotional labour of her work.

Community was a word that was present throughout the day, and the ingredients for collaboration were summed up by Rudo as “Respect, Honesty, Trust and keeping promises”. Rudo also shared when working to ensure complex systemic transformation “I want to change the world and its outcomes, I will do it in bits and pieces.” – The impact Rudo makes, and how she prioritises joy as she develops value together uplifted.