Date: July 24 – 26
From the 24th – the 26th of July 2024, the Zimbabwe German Society/ Goethe Zentrum Harare
(ZGS/GZH) hosted a 3-day training session under our Das Kollektiv project, the Treffen, brought
together close to 20 creatives, both participants and facilitators. In this blog post, we’ll recap the
workshop’s highlights, key takeaways, and participant feedback.
What is Das Kollektiv?
Das Kollektiv (DK) is a project development pipeline programme for the Zimbabwe German Society/
Goethe Zentrum Harare (ZGS/GZH) aimed to support and build the capacity of creatives to enable
them to successfully plan, implement and deliver projects through acquiring and developing project
management, grant funding management competency among other skills.
The pipeline came about as a response to feedback from ZGS/GZH benefactors from 2014 to 2019.
DK set out to respond to these challenges by collaborating with its long-term partner Stimulus Africa
to develop a programme that could support the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI’s) pivot to
digital, develop their projects and creative enterprises professionally whilst also preparing them to
access ZGS/ GZH funding and partnership support.
There are two types of grants under the project: The Major Grant and the Minor Grant.
● The Major grant is a closed call to selected participants from previous ZGS/GZH
funding benefactors from the last two years who submit applications once invited.
● The minor grant is an open call to attract new voices to send in applications.
An independent Jury selects the final projects of both applications based on a set of criteria
depending on the year’s running theme. The new voices feeding into the closed call for the following
year create the pipeline effect.
What is the Das Kollektiv Treffen?
The Treffen is a conference for closed-call invitees with workshops on various topics that will aid
in delivering a project. This includes a strong focus on project proposals, delivery, and pitching
techniques. These sessions are facilitated by industry experts who will support the selected
projects in the next stage. The applicants are offered support and one-on-one coaching during
the conference for their pitch deck and pitching session on the last day. They pitch their projects
using a pitch deck we created for a select jury in a ‘Dragons Den’ format. The jury shortlists their
top 4 and, from there, selects the two projects to support.
The project aims to support CCI professionals through the project cycle, from beginning to end.
While encouraging digital formats to work, collaborate, and support their audience/viewers
(showcasing) / classes/services. The project aims to identify creatives and organisations that
support the sector and encourage collaboration.
Treffen Highlights:
❖ Project pitching, learning how to lay the foundation for your audience through
storytelling, and how to effectively take your audience through your proposed initiative.
❖ The 13 questions every creative needs to needs to know and their offer needs to answer
to stand a chance at success.
❖ Breakout sessions on Project Management
❖ Networking opportunities with industry peers.
Key Takeaways
★ Importance of crafting a compelling and narrative project
★ Tools and techniques for achieving project success.
★ How to build sustainability in your work so that success does not leave you broke and
tired.
★ Strong foundation in storytelling techniques and equipped to create impactful narratives
across various mediums.
★ Importance of grant funding and strategies for successful grant funding.
Participants Feedback:
➢ 95% of participants found the workshop informative and engaging.
➢ 90 % of participants reported increased knowledge in project management, grant
funding, and skills in creating effective and compelling projects.
Conclusion
The Treffen was a huge success providing valuable insights and skills for participants. We’re
excited to continue the Treffen conversations and support the development of projects and
grants management.
Stay tuned for future events!
