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HIFA

HIFA, or Harare International Festival of the Arts, is an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival held in Harare, Zimbabwe. It brings together performers and artists from Zimbabwe and beyond, presenting music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film, and poetry.

Founded in 1999 by a group of Zimbabwean artists and cultural workers, HIFA was created to promote

Programming typically spans several days and multiple venues across the city, including theatres, galleries, clubs, and

HIFA has helped raise the profile of Zimbabwean artists, created networking opportunities, and attracted international collaborations.

Note: The acronym HIFA can refer to other organizations in different contexts, but this article focuses on

the
country’s
arts
sector
and
to
provide
an
international
platform
for
collaboration
and
exchange.
The
festival
aims
to
develop
audiences,
nurture
emerging
artists,
and
contribute
to
tourism
and
urban
regeneration
in
Harare.
public
spaces.
The
program
mixes
commissioned
works,
premieres,
and
touring
acts,
with
a
combination
of
ticketed
events
and
free
performances.
Community
outreach
and
education
programs,
such
as
workshops,
artist
residencies,
and
school
programs,
are
integral
parts
of
HIFA.
It
has
faced
challenges
such
as
funding
constraints
and
disruptions
due
to
political
and
public-health
factors;
like
many
arts
festivals,
it
has
adapted
with
online
formats
and
outdoor
programming
when
needed.
the
Harare
International
Festival
of
the
Arts.