Empowerment
We believe in empowering young people and artists to express themselves, develop their skills, and become active contributors to their communities.
WE ARE
A house built for art and community development
To empower young people and artists by providing safe and accessible public spaces for artistic expression, supporting advocacy for social issues through art, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills to inspire and facilitate community development.
At a glance
At a glance
To empower young people and artists by providing safe and accessible public spaces for artistic expression, supporting advocacy for social issues through art, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills to inspire and facilitate community development.
A youth-led arts organisation working across Zimbabwe with artists and young people in communities including Harare and Bulawayo.
2016
Founded in Harare, Zimbabwe
2019
Registered with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe
2022
Youth City launched across Harare and Bulawayo
“Creative energy, turned into community change.”
Our story
History
House of Arts Association is a dynamic youth-led organisation based in Hatcliffe, Harare, that works with artists and young people to develop communities through the use of art. This is achieved through its four pillars: innovation, advocacy, education and diversity. The organisation has been making a significant impact since its establishment in 2016 and its registration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in 2019. House of Arts has successfully implemented four programs: Reshaping Communities through Art, Tambainesu, Key to the City and, most recently, Youth City.
We recognise the power of art in fostering community development and actively engage young people living in marginalised communities such as Hatcliffe, Mbare and Epworth through creative platforms — festivals, sports, drama, music, dance groups, art therapy sessions and painting — to participate in both personal and community development. With an innovative and inclusive approach, House of Arts has mobilised and empowered over 5,000 young individuals and 60 youth-led groups from Harare and Bulawayo to actively participate in making communities safe, inclusive and resilient, particularly for young people.
The organisation is currently running Youth City, a project targeting artists and young people in Hatcliffe, Mbare and Epworth, with a focus on promoting entrepreneurship, supporting advocacy initiatives, and transforming public spaces to be safe and inclusive.
NACZ registered
Youth-led & youth-focused
Community-driven
Our mission
What drives us
“To empower young people and artists by providing safe and accessible public spaces for artistic expression, supporting advocacy for social issues through art, and nurturing entrepreneurial skills to inspire and facilitate community development.”
Our objectives
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01
Promote inclusive creativity and innovation among young people.
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02
Foster entrepreneurial skills that lead to the creation of sustainable jobs.
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03
Advocate for social issues and drive policy change through the arts.
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04
Create inclusive platforms for the expression of diverse young voices.
Vision
To empower young people and artists towards creating vibrant and inclusive communities where creativity fuels personal and community growth, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.
“It is the standard we leave in the communities we serve.”
House of Arts Association · since 2016Our values
What we build on
Creativity
We celebrate creativity as a vital force for innovation and social change, encouraging artistic expression as a means of personal and communal growth.
Inclusivity
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard and valued, fostering a sense of belonging for all participants.
Collaboration
We prioritise partnerships and collaboration, recognising that working together with community members, organisations, and stakeholders amplifies our impact.
Sustainability
We strive for sustainable practices in our projects, ensuring that our initiatives support long-term community development and environmental stewardship.
Respect
We value respect for individuals and their unique experiences, promoting a culture of understanding and support within our community.
Integrity
We uphold transparency and accountability in our actions, building trust with the youth, artists, and communities we serve.
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