On April 25 this year, Tisinthe Arts Collective (TiseArts) held a Tisinthe Arts and Innovation Day at Blend in Zomba. The event was aimed at creating a platform where young people can explore the intersection of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. It also showcased how the arts are a viable pathway for skills development, job creation and social impact. Our contributor JONAS NYASULU caught up with Tisinthe Arts Collective artistic director, Shawn Nyahoda. Excerpts:
Q: What inspired you to hold this event?
A: We recognised that many young creatives in Malawi lack platforms to showcase their talent and connect with opportunities. At the same time, there is a growing need to integrate creativity with innovation and business thinking. This event is our response to that gap.
Q: When and why was Tisinthe Arts Collective formed?
A: Tisinthe Arts Collective was formed in 2026 by final-year students from the University of Malawi (Unima) as part of the Theatre as a business course. The goal was to create a sustainable creative platform that empowers young people through theatre, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Q: Where is your organisation based?
A: Tisinthe Arts Collective is based at Unima with its activities currently focused in Zomba.
Q: How did the event go?
A: The event exceeded our expectations, especially as an initiative of seven students. We managed to bring together young creatives, entrepreneurs, performers, and members of the community in one space to celebrate creativity and innovation. The audience actively participated in the activities, supported young creatives and engaged with the performances and exhibitions. The event also created networking opportunities among young people and organisations interested in the creative industry. The event was graced by Smith Likongwe, a renowned Malawian playwright, poet, fiction and nonfiction writer and lecturer in drama and theatre studies at the University of Malawi. The patronage for the event was outstanding. The turnout was large. We targeted an audience of 100 but we had over 150 who were a blend of students and people around Zomba.
Q: What is your vision as an organisation?
A: Our vision is to build TiseArts Day into a major youth creative platform in Malawi that promotes theatre, arts, innovation and entrepreneurship. We want the event to become a space where young people can showcase talent, learn new skills, connect with opportunities and see the creative industry as a serious career and business sector. In the future, we hope to expand the event and include more partnerships, workshops and creatives from different parts of the country.
Q: What activities took place at the event?
A: The event featured performances from various young creatives, including, TiseArts Theatre team, Unima Theatre Society, Sir Harry Johnson International High School, Ngwenyama Dance Troupe, musicians Charity Kamanga (Unima) and Zomba-based Bouncy. We also had theatre performers, spoken word artists, comedians and dancers. We had young entrepreneurs and creatives showcasing products such as clothing, jewellery, artwork, perfumes and other handmade items. The performances reflected the diversity and creativity of young people in Malawi.
Q: How important is the event in promoting arts, culture and innovation?
A. The event is important because it provides young creatives with a platform to express themselves and showcase their work. It promotes Malawian art and culture by encouraging young people to use creativity positively and professionally. At the same time, it introduces innovation and entrepreneurship into the arts sector, helping young people understand that creativity can also create jobs, businesses and social impact.
Q. What are your future plans?
A: In future, we plan to grow TiseArts into a sustainable creative platform that hosts more events, workshops, and collaborations. We want to reach more young people in schools, universities, and communities through theatre, innovation, and creative entrepreneurship programmes. We also hope to partner with more organisations and industry professionals to create bigger opportunities for young creatives in Malawi.
