Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The local art scene is set for a boost with the announcement of a collaboration between the ARAK Collection and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) to host a three-day intensive art writing workshop titled “Zimbabwe on My Mind”.
Scheduled for September 10 to 12, 2025, this workshop invites emerging and mid-career art writers, cultural critics, and researchers based in Zimbabwe to apply for a transformative experience that promises to deepen their engagement with contemporary art practices.
The ARAK Collection, an independent effort based in Qatar, is dedicated to fostering critical dialogue around contemporary art with a specific focus on African art. Founded by AbdulRahman Al Khelaifi, the collection aims to enrich the art discourse through exhibitions, publications, research, and educational programs. By supporting initiatives such as this workshop, ARAK seeks to create platforms where African art can thrive and be critically examined.
Leading the workshop is Thembinkosi Goniwe, an acclaimed art critic, curator, and educator known for his innovative approaches to art criticism. His guidance will be instrumental in helping participants explore the narratives surrounding artists, artworks, and cultural spaces. Building on a conceptual framework first introduced in Lusaka earlier this year, the workshop encourages participants to examine the biographies of subjects and objects within the art world.
The “Zimbabwe on My Mind” workshop will take a unique approach, positioning art criticism as an embedded, reflective, and context-responsive practice. Participants will engage with selected works from the ARAK Collection online, as well as local artworks and exhibitions, exploring how both contemporary and historical materials can serve as rich entry points for critical and poetic biographies.
During the workshop, Goniwe will challenge participants to consider pivotal questions that probe the intersection of art and life. How can a life or object be read through its political, social, or material conditions? In what ways does an artist’s journey reflect national transformation? Can a studio, archive, or exhibition embody a biography of its own? What insights might writing rooted in local experience reveal about broader continental or global dialogues?
These inquiries will not only prompt participants to think critically about their subjects but also encourage them to weave personal narratives into their writing, fostering a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.
Participants are also set to enjoy a rich introduction to the country’s vibrant cultural landscape through guided visits to artist studios and creative spaces in Harare. The hands-on activities will include writing exercises, group critique sessions, and site visits, all aimed at culminating in the development of a working draft of a critical or narrative text by the final day.
This immersive experience promises to equip writers with the tools they need to articulate their thoughts and observations more effectively, while also expanding their understanding of the local art scene.
Aspiring participants must meet certain eligibility criteria: they must be based in Zimbabwe and available to attend all three days of the workshop. To apply, candidates should submit a 500-word writing sample (published or unpublished), a brief motivation (maximum 250 words) explaining their interest in the workshop, a CV or short biography, along with their email address and a reachable telephone number.
The application deadline is August 10, 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their materials via email to [email protected]. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
