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THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) says preparations for the 58th Conference of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) are well on course, with the country set to make history as the first African nation to host the prestigious gathering.
More than 300 international museum directors, curators and other arts professionals are expected to converge in Harare for the conference, which will run from November 20 – 22 under the theme, “Museums Beyond Limits — Imagining Repair Across Cultural Ecologies and Knowledges.”
The NGZ says it is about 70 percent ready for the landmark event, which is expected to provide a major platform for Zimbabwean and African artists to engage with the international art community.
“We are almost 70 percent done as far as preparations are concerned,” NGZ public relations chief and curator Zvikomborero Mandangu said.
“All the keynote speakers coming to Harare have confirmed that they will be available.
“We have also drawn up a key art map, which comes in the form of a booklet that will be available online.
“The resource book will give attendees and guests a clear picture of what we are going to offer at the conference. Again, the book will be available online, and various stakeholders will have an insight into what to expect at the conference.”
Mandangu said the response from local visual artists had been overwhelming, with many eager to participate in the historic gathering.
“The response that we have been receiving from visual artists is overwhelming, which means they value their art,” he said.
“We have since contacted several galleries in and around Harare and its environs that are willing to be part and parcel of this big occasion.
“This conference on modern art is a game-changer, and it is almost similar to the one we hosted in 1962.”
Mandangu urged local visual artists to attach greater value to their collections, saying the conference presented an important opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean art to an international audience.
“Local artists now value their works, and the upcoming conference is enough testament to the appeal of local art.
“We are looking forward to a successful conference where Zimbabwe will make history by hosting CIMAM in Africa,” he added.
The upcoming conference has also received Government backing, further raising its profile. Zimbabwe won the right to host CIMAM last year during a stakeholders’ meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
The meeting was attended by art collector Han Nefkens, founder of the Han Nefkens Foundation in the Netherlands.
Notable attendees included Suhanya Raffel, president of CIMAM and museum director of M+ in Hong Kong; NGZ director Raphael Chikukwa; Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, president of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and co-host of the 2025 annual conference in Turin; and Elvira Dyangani Ose.
Following Zimbabwe’s successful bid to host the 58th edition of CIMAM, there has been considerable excitement among visual artists, with the country’s art collections continuing to attract international interest. After winning the bid, Chikukwa’s team has been working round the clock to ensure that preparations remain on course.
Renovations at the NGZ in Harare have progressed smoothly, while work has also been taking place at galleries in Victoria Falls and Bulawayo.
Harare, however, will be the epicentre of the major gathering, which is expected to attract more than 300 international museum directors.
Chikukwa recently told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment that Government was backing their preparations.
“Preparations are well on course, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will give an update next week,” he said.
Last year, Chikukwa highlighted the potential of CIMAM to boost not only the arts sector but also tourism, with more than 300 international curators and museum directors expected to visit Zimbabwe. “The CIMAM Annual Conference will also promote cultural tourism in a big way, benefiting hotels and tour companies. As we prepare for hosting, it means job creation for the companies that are refurbishing our two galleries in Harare and Victoria Falls.
“Hosting the CIMAM Annual Conference is a form of soft power, and the gallery also thanks our parent ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for allowing us to think beyond our borders.”
Chikukwa noted that the 58th conference would give local artists an opportunity to establish synergies with international museum directors, curators and other players in the global art sector.
After receiving approval to host the 58th conference, Chikukwa assured locals that Zimbabwe would make a proud showing on the international stage.
NGZ has been working with various partners, including the Mellon Foundation and Higherlife Foundation.
Chikukwa and his team have also been working with the local organising team, supported by an African Content Committee comprising other African curators and members of the diaspora.
