Arts and Entertainment Reporter
BULAWAYO – In a move to maximise participation for its highly anticipated return, the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs) have officially extended the nomination deadline by one week, with submissions now closing on September 15, 2025.
The extension was announced via the awards’ official Facebook page on Monday, with organisers citing a technical issue as the reason for the prolonged period.
“We are back,” the statement read.
“Due to a technical hitch on our site, the Bulawayo Arts Awards 2025 nominations period has been extended to 15 September 2025.”
In a rallying call to the city’s artists, the organisers urged creatives to take advantage of the new deadline:
“If you haven’t submitted yet, this is your chance, don’t miss out on being part of Bulawayo’s biggest celebration of creative excellence.”
The announcement has been met with optimism across the local arts community, which has eagerly awaited the return of the awards following a year of uncertainty. The eighth edition of the BAAs is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at Hall 3 of the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
The event’s future was thrown into doubt in 2024 following the withdrawal of its long-time principal sponsor, United Refineries Limited’s Roil cooking oil brand. That development, compounded by financial and operational challenges, led to the postponement of last year’s ceremony.
The BAA Trust stated that the decision was also influenced by “limited representation across certain genres,” prompting a strategic overhaul for the 2025 edition to ensure greater inclusivity.
With the nomination phase extended, focus now shifts to upcoming milestones. The official list of nominees is set to be unveiled on October 8, 2025, at the traditional nominees’ dinner.
The event will also serve as a platform to announce the sponsor for the People’s Choice Award and a second wave of event sponsors, which organisers have identified as crucial for the awards’ financial stability.
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