top of page

From Harare to Venice: Can Mohadi’s Biennale Visit Spark an Arts Renaissance in Zimbabwe?

by artweb

National Gallery of Zimbabwe Director Raphael Chikukwa shows Vice President Kembo Mohadi the work of artist Troy Makaza at the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale in Italy (Image: ZBC Online)

Zimbabwe's Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, recently made a significant appearance at the 60th Venice Biennale in Italy, a global art exhibition featuring artistic showcases from around the world. The Vice President's visit underscores a growing recognition of Zimbabwe’s thriving contemporary art scene on an international stage, bringing much-needed visibility to the country's creative talent. Such an appearance by senior government leadership is a welcome gesture, underscoring an awareness of the visual arts' role in shaping cultural identity and strengthening global connections.


The Venice Biennale, one of the world’s premier art events, hosts pavilions that exhibit the finest artistic contributions from participating nations. Zimbabwe, represented at Santa Maria della Pietra, is proudly displaying the works of prominent artists including Gillian Rosselli, Troy Makaza, Sekai Macheche, Moffat Takadiwa, Victor Nyakauru, and Komborerai Chapfika. In other nations, such as France, leaders like President Macron have shown strong support for their artists by attending the recently concluded Art Basel par Paris, a commercial art fair that takes place annually in Paris, France. Zimbabwe’s ongoing presence at the Venice Biennale, coupled with Vice President Mohadi’s recent attendance, sets a positive stance that, if maintained, could reshape the landscape of Zimbabwean arts domestically.


Despite this promising gesture, Zimbabwean artists still face considerable challenges, often without access to institutional support such as government grants, arts funding, or adequate resources. Many successful Zimbabwean artists have had to rely on external sources of support, including foreign grants or opportunities abroad, enduring a long and demanding journey to establish themselves. The persistent lack of government support has hindered the potential of many artists, though a few have managed to thrive against these odds. Sustained support from the government could be crucial to improving the working conditions for artists in Zimbabwe.


For example, access to resources like unutilised government spaces/land that could be used by artists as art studios could significantly alleviate space constraints for artists, while public offices could elevate contemporary art by showcasing pieces within government spaces. Artists such as Keith Zenda have taken initiatives to donate art to government leaders, but the income of many artists is largely dependent on sales, underscoring the need for public institutions and private corporations to start building art collections. An inspiring model can be found in the UK, where British Rail invested in the arts, creating a state-supported collection that created significant income for the state when the collection was eventually sold. Similar initiatives could foster a deeper appreciation of Zimbabwean art within national and corporate settings, creating and strengthening a local art market.


Revitalizing The Art Fund and instituting grants for artists under the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, could stimulate the sector, empowering Zimbabwean creators to reach new heights. Partnerships between the public and private sectors could facilitate major international exhibitions within Zimbabwe, highlighting the country's cultural heritage at venues like the National Galleries in Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare.


It is hoped that Vice President Mohadi's exposure to the Venice Biennale has provided a glimpse into the promising future that Zimbabwean contemporary art holds. With sustained governmental support, including the provision of grants, infrastructure, and institutional collection initiatives, the country could witness a flourishing of its cultural sector. This potential can only be realized if a consistent commitment is made to support the creative vision of Zimbabwe’s artists, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive and represent Zimbabwe on the world stage.

1 Comment


lin barrie
lin barrie
Oct 31, 2024

well spoken, and hope for a stronger government interest in the arts....

Edited
Like

© 2024 artweb

bottom of page