The Zimbabwe Academy of Music

We hope you will support this appeal to raise at least £30,000 to get the Zimbabwe Academy of Music back on its feet after the Covid pandemic. £10,000 is needed for new and repaired instruments, and a vehicle to support an outreach programme in Bulawayo’s western suburbs will cost £5,000. In addition, the Academy infrastructure needs repair: £25,000 to replace the dilapidated 1950s’ driveways and conversion to solar power along with new carpets, chairs and tables will cost £10,000. Please help us towards achieving these as a solid foundation for the future.

The Zimbabwe Academy of Music was established as an independent non-profit-making institution in 1949. Its present home was finally completed in 1974, including a 400-seat concert hall, an extensive library, rehearsal and function rooms, and over twenty teaching studios. For more than seventy years the Academy has stood for ambition, hope, optimism and the joy of music. Thousands of children and adults have studied music and taken international exams at the Academy and it has always welcomed students of all races and ages. The Academy is the sole surviving institution in Zimbabwe devoted solely to teaching music in all its forms: classical, pop, traditional African, and more.

The two years of Covid pandemic with lockdowns and other restrictions have severely weakened the Academy’s financial position. Most of its limited funds being used in simply remaining open and throughout the period no staff were made redundant and full salaries continued to be paid.

We know that these last two years have been difficult for so many people, not least those in the performing arts, but we hope that you might think that the Academy’s continuing survival and growth is a cause worth supporting. Even if you can only afford a few pounds or dollars, your gift will be greatly appreciated. And if you can't afford to donate at all, please share this fundraiser.

Thank you for your support. Together we can raise enough money to ensure that this important institution continues to shine brightly and spread its light even further.

“A jewel in the crown of our country, a vital force in cultural education” – Senator David Coltart