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Cheuka Harare Art Fair (CHAF2025) - A New Chapter for Contemporary Art in Zimbabwe

by artweb


Zimbabwe is set to host a new art fair titled Cheuka Harare Art Fair (CHAF2025), taking place at the Andy Miller Hall in Harare Showgrounds from February 27 to March 1, 2025. Led by prominent Zimbabwean art professionals such as Wallen Mapondera and Merilyn Mushakwe, the fair will be curated by Laura Ganda in its inaugural edition. Zimbabwe has seen the emergence of several art fairs in recent years, including the Jacaranda Art Fair, held at the Old Stables Market in Borrowdale, where artists like Lin Barrie, Prudence Chimutuwah, Keith Zenda, and Franklyn Dzingai have showcased their work. Curator Clifford Zulu initiated the Bulawayo Art Fair with support from the Culture Fund and the European Union. artHARARE, which was as an online art fair in 2020, has also featured leading artists from Zimbabwe and its diaspora.


Beyond fairs, Zimbabwe has witnessed a number of initiatives by art industry players. Artist-led spaces such as Mbare Art Space, Animal Farm, and Village Unhu have provided platforms for creativity, while projects like the Emerging Painting Invitational, co-founded by Varie Kabov of First Floor Gallery, have gained traction. The African Born Art Movement (ABAM), started by Vongai Sibanda, seeks to raise awareness about the ambitions of the next generation of artists and foster African art collectors and thought leaders. The River Gallery, established in 2022 in Victoria Falls, was a welcomed move in the Zimbabwe’s art landscape, attracting First Floor Gallery to open its second space there. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is also preparing to launch its fourth branch in Victoria Falls. Recent additions such as Loft 3 Gallery Space at Hunters Moon Estate and the Zimbabwe Creative and Cultural Arts (ZICCA) which was launched in 2022 at the Old Greatermans Building highlight the dynamic growth of the visual arts sector in Zimbabwe. However, despite its promise, Peter Kaunda’s Artillery Gallery was among spaces that unfortunately had to close.


Several spaces have opened in Zimbabwe showcasing contemporary art
Several spaces have opened in Zimbabwe showcasing contemporary art

In a conversation with one of the organizers of Cheuka Harare Art Fair, it was emphasized that Zimbabwean artists have been gaining international recognition and accolades, yet their work often remains underappreciated within their home country. The fair aims to change this narrative by creating a platform for collectors, curators, galleries, and art enthusiasts to discover Zimbabwe’s immense artistic talent. It seeks to foster collaboration, representation, and appreciation both locally and internationally. For many Zimbabweans, the art fair presents a rare opportunity to view works by established artists who primarily exhibit abroad.


This edition of CHAF will place significant emphasis on Zimbabwean artist-run spaces, which play a crucial role in mentoring emerging and mid-career artists. Spaces such as Animal Farm, known for its focus on printmaking, and Post Studio Collective, which emphasizes professional practice, will have booths showcasing their work alongside sections dedicated to the individuals behind these initiatives. The fair will also feature a segment celebrating Zimbabwean art collectors. This segment aims to promote the culture of art collecting and provide insights into trends in contemporary Zimbabwean art.


The challenging economic situation in Zimbabwe poses difficulties for organizing an art fair on par with international events like the FNB Joburg Art Fair, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, or Art X Lagos, all of which receive substantial backing from commercial and business entities. Internationally, fairs such as Art Basel and Frieze benefit from the support of financial institutions like UBS and Deutsche Bank. In Zimbabwe, local financial institutions ( Econet, First Capital Bank, CBZ, FBC Bank, or BancABC ) could potentially follow suit, providing essential support for internationally recognized contemporary art from the country.


Funding remains the fair's greatest challenge. The Cheuka team has personally contributed to bring this passion project to life, and the benefits for participating artists are substantial. The fair offers direct access to key players in the art world, including curators and gallerists, providing invaluable opportunities for exposure and networking. The local art community, though small and centered in Harare, has shown encouraging signs of growth, with emerging collectors beginning to buy local artists’ work and build collections. However, the fair looks to international buyers to ensure commercial viability.


Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare, Zimbabwe


Community engagement is central to CHAF. By collaborating with galleries, artist studios, collectives, and individual artists, the fair strengthens community bonds while showcasing a diverse array of mediums and artistic expressions. Hosting the event at a widely recognized venue like the Andy Miller Hall ensures public access and encourages participation from a broad audience. The fair is open to partnerships and collaborations with other interested parties, recognizing that such alliances are vital for its growth. However, for the next few years, the focus remains on perfecting the fair in Zimbabwe, addressing local needs, accommodating the community, and refining presentations before expanding further.


Strategically scheduled immediately after the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (20 - 23 February 2025), CHAF capitalizes on the momentum and international attention generated by Investec Cape Town Art Fair. This timing attracts international visitors, galleries, and collectors who are already in the region, offering a seamless continuation of engagement with African contemporary art.


For more information visit www.cheuka.com

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