The Creative Compass; Paperwork Is the New Paintbrush: A 5-Step Guide to Formalising Your Art

A practical 5-step guide for Zimbabwean artists to formalise their work, access funding, protect their brand, and align with NDS2 as creativity becomes a structured, bankable industry (image source)

Last week we took a detour into the ZIMURA soap opera. Necessary, yes but this week we’re climbing back onto the NDS2 horse before it gallops off without us. Let’s talk about a word that makes many creatives itch, formalisation.

For decades, being a “starving artist” was worn like a struggle medal. You lived for the craft, avoided paperwork, and hoped inspiration would somehow pay school fees. But Zimbabwe in 2026 has moved on. Talent still opens doors but paperwork opens bank accounts. If you want access to State-backed funding, corporate sponsorships, export markets, or even decent royalty systems, you can’t operate as a ghost. Whether you’re a sculptor in Tengenenge, a rapper in Mbare, or a fashion designer in Bulawayo, the message is the same: art is now an industry.

Step 1: Choose Your Business “Body”

You don’t need a glass office in Borrowdale to be legit. Most creatives opt for a Private Business Corporation (PBC) affordable, simple, and ideal for solo artists or small groups. Many visual artists supplying galleries like Village Unhu operate this way.

A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) suits larger operations think production houses like Nash TV or established fashion labels such as Tapfuma Munenge. It costs more, but banks and international partners take it seriously.

Step 2: Reserve Your Name

Your name is your brand. Ask Winky D or Jah Prayzah brand protection is non-negotiable.

Reserving your name with the Registrar of Companies locks it down and prevents “brand hijacking.” Once approved, you have 30 days to complete registration. Miss it, and someone else might scoop “YourName Arts” before you blink.

Step 3: Get Your ZIMRA Tax Clearance (ITF263)

This is the paperwork artists fear unnecessarily.

Without a valid ITF263, any corporate client is legally required to withhold 30% of your payment. That’s not punishment it’s compliance. Artists like Ammara Brown and Tamy Moyo didn’t land brand deals by winging it.

With tax clearance, you look professional, bankable, and ready for serious contracts.

Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account

NDS2 prioritises digital trade, exports, and formal financing. You can’t receive foreign royalties, apply for EmpowerBank loans, or access grants through a personal EcoCash line.

Whether you’re an author like Tsitsi Dangarembga publishing internationally, or a sculptor exporting stone to Europe, a business account is essential.

Step 5: Register with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ)

NACZ registration isn’t cosmetic it’s strategic.

It’s how artists get considered for NAMA, access training, receive endorsement letters for visas, and plug into international festivals. Dance groups like Iyasa and theatre outfits like Rooftop Promotions didn’t grow by staying informal.

The Bottom Line

Formalisation isn’t about surveillance it’s about protection and access. A registered entity separates your art from your personal life. If the business stumbles, your house doesn’t automatically go with it. Under NDS2, creativity isn’t a hobby it’s economic infrastructure. Stop being invisible. Pick up the paperwork. The new paintbrush is a pen and it pays far better.

Get Involved: For insights on translating policy into profit, email the writer at mdarawengozha@gmail.com or WhatsApp +263 772 113 605.