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Marilyn & Bob Gregory
Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation
Livingstone, Zambia
Bob and Marilyn Gregory, of Hawkestone, Ontario, Canada moved to Livingstone, Zambia in January 2009 to undertake an unique self-sustaining NGO which preserves and promotes Zambian culture through excellence in the arts.
Livingstone, is located only 10 km from one of the world's most scenic attractions - Victoria Falls. Capitalizing on the tourist market, the Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation (LiPAF) generates revenue from ticket sales which is then used to employ people in the arts, sponsor orphan children in school, support several school and children's football programs and assist needy families.
Throughout 2009, LiPAF performed their first original music theatre play entitled "African Shoes" which involved sixteen full-time actors and four full-time musicians, all hired in Livingstone. Although LiPAF managed to secure a contract to perform at the largest resort in Livingstone, the world economic crisis seriously affected the tourist industry and LiPAF struggled to survive. However, in August, they introduced their second show which celebrates the diverse culture of Zambia through dance, song, music and ceremonies. "Dancing Around Zambia" is currently being performed four nights each week and 2010 has seen an increased awareness of the quality of these shows.
Steadily progressing towards their dream of leaving a lasting legacy in performing arts, LiPAF has recently secured its own venue. The 'Arts Café' opened on July 3,2010 as a place where art and culture are celebrated for the enjoyment of tourists and visitors alike. The Arts Café has a 90 seat theatre where cultural shows are performed by LiPAF as well as many other cultural groups. The Arts Café also has a bar and restaurant serving traditional Zambian cooking, an art gallery featuring the works of local artists, handicraft workshop demonstrations, and live bands playing in the patio. All profits from the Arts Café go to support the work of the LiPAF foundation. Anyone interested in helping to finance this venture is urged to donate to the "LiPAF Theatre Project".
School Sponsorship Project::
LiPAF has undertaken several projects to support the education of young people in Zambia. In 2009, LiPAF installed a bore hole, opened up two libraries and a computer lab, and donated school supplies and football uniforms to several schools in Livingstone.
The School Scholarship Project is an ongoing program whereby families in Canada are matched with vulnerable children in Zambia. Sponsorship includes payment of the annual school fees, uniform costs, and supplies. Coordinated through LiPAF, there are currently 27 students receiving an education who would otherwise not be able to attend school. Anyone interested in assisting a student can contact LiPAF for details at lipafzm@yahoo.com.
Theatre Project:
The LiPAF Arts Cafe is our latest venture into promoting and preserving Zambian Culture. We are in need of sound equipment, additional theatre lighting, kitchen supplies, set material, costumes, etc. Your assistance will help us grow and expand and continue to pay the wages of our 18 full time employees.
You can read more about the Gregorys and the LiPAF project by visiting their website. (Click icon to left)
Livingstone, Zambia
Bob and Marilyn Gregory, of Hawkestone, Ontario, Canada moved to Livingstone, Zambia in January 2009 to undertake an unique self-sustaining NGO which preserves and promotes Zambian culture through excellence in the arts.
Livingstone, is located only 10 km from one of the world's most scenic attractions - Victoria Falls. Capitalizing on the tourist market, the Livingstone Performing Arts Foundation (LiPAF) generates revenue from ticket sales which is then used to employ people in the arts, sponsor orphan children in school, support several school and children's football programs and assist needy families.
Throughout 2009, LiPAF performed their first original music theatre play entitled "African Shoes" which involved sixteen full-time actors and four full-time musicians, all hired in Livingstone. Although LiPAF managed to secure a contract to perform at the largest resort in Livingstone, the world economic crisis seriously affected the tourist industry and LiPAF struggled to survive. However, in August, they introduced their second show which celebrates the diverse culture of Zambia through dance, song, music and ceremonies. "Dancing Around Zambia" is currently being performed four nights each week and 2010 has seen an increased awareness of the quality of these shows.
Steadily progressing towards their dream of leaving a lasting legacy in performing arts, LiPAF has recently secured its own venue. The 'Arts Café' opened on July 3,2010 as a place where art and culture are celebrated for the enjoyment of tourists and visitors alike. The Arts Café has a 90 seat theatre where cultural shows are performed by LiPAF as well as many other cultural groups. The Arts Café also has a bar and restaurant serving traditional Zambian cooking, an art gallery featuring the works of local artists, handicraft workshop demonstrations, and live bands playing in the patio. All profits from the Arts Café go to support the work of the LiPAF foundation. Anyone interested in helping to finance this venture is urged to donate to the "LiPAF Theatre Project".
School Sponsorship Project::
LiPAF has undertaken several projects to support the education of young people in Zambia. In 2009, LiPAF installed a bore hole, opened up two libraries and a computer lab, and donated school supplies and football uniforms to several schools in Livingstone.
The School Scholarship Project is an ongoing program whereby families in Canada are matched with vulnerable children in Zambia. Sponsorship includes payment of the annual school fees, uniform costs, and supplies. Coordinated through LiPAF, there are currently 27 students receiving an education who would otherwise not be able to attend school. Anyone interested in assisting a student can contact LiPAF for details at lipafzm@yahoo.com.
Theatre Project:
The LiPAF Arts Cafe is our latest venture into promoting and preserving Zambian Culture. We are in need of sound equipment, additional theatre lighting, kitchen supplies, set material, costumes, etc. Your assistance will help us grow and expand and continue to pay the wages of our 18 full time employees.
You can read more about the Gregorys and the LiPAF project by visiting their website. (Click icon to left)
Theatre Show.
Support This Project!
Cast of "Dancing Around
Zambia"
Donate Now
Donate Monthly
New Arts Cafe
Ckick here for
Preauthorized Form
(Monthly payments from Bank)
(Monthly payments from Bank)
Cheques can be mailed to Devxchange
PO Box 224 Barrie, ON L4M 4T2
Live Band
Rolling Kencheyo
Rolling Kencheyo