The Zimbabwe Applied Art and Crafts Association (ZAACA) is an association of individual and cooperative craft producers which was founded in January 2010.  As Zimbabwean crafters we began to realise we had common challenges affecting us individually and so the

formation of a formal association has enabled

us to work to resolve these issues as a united

voice.  Our membership spans multiple

provinces across Zimbabwe.

One of our main challenges has been the lack

of direct access to our markets.  Middlemen

have taken advantage of this situation resulting

in a disadvantage to the creators of the work

they sell.  As crafters we are learning to

recognise ourselves as business people and

we are working collaboratively to uplift one

another economically and be our own voice. 

For example, instead of applying to participate

in local craft fairs, we have initiated our own

craft fairs and negotiated directly with property

owners to showcase our work on their

premises. 

Our membership consists of a diverse range of

talents and skills.  Our artisans design and

produce products such as basketry, batik,

recycled art, handmade paper, leatherworks

and much more. ZAACA membership helps our

customers verify the authenticity of the

products they buy since they purchase directly

from the artisan.

 

 

Our Goals and Objectives

The following are our member goals and

objectives:

 

• Increase membership and expand our coverage to the whole country.

• Raise the literacy rate amongst the crafters by providing relevant training which in turn will formalize crafting as a business and create additional employment opportunities in the craft industry in Zimbabwe.

• Provide a forum for debate and the exchange of ideas through networking events

• Provide support for the development of sustainable growth to our members wherever possible.

• Collect, organise and disseminate important information on arts and crafts to all members.