Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VISUAL artist Keith Zenda said art can be a career for young people and is taking that message to the grassroots through Tsika Dzedu Exhibition.
Zenda, who founded and runs ArtGalZimCenter and is its CEO, said his vision was to create opportunities for artists in communities who often struggle to access platforms to showcase and develop their talent.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Zenda said the exhibition was designed to give emerging artists a platform to showcase their talent while celebrating Zimbabwean culture.
“For young people, this is proof that art can be a career. For the public, it’s a chance to reconnect with who we are. For the art ecosystem, it’s about growth and sustainability,” he said.
Tsika Dzedu Exhibition and Competition will be held on September 12 at ArtGalZimCentre at Mverechena Business Centre along Domboshava Road. The exhibition will run until October 3. The exhibition, whose theme means “our culture, our values”, will give artists an opportunity to explore Zimbabwean language, traditions, community life, resilience and everyday experiences through art. Zenda said the gallery was more than an exhibition space as it also focused on identifying and developing grassroots talent.
“We are an art hub. Our mission is to discover grassroots talent, preserve our heritage through art and inspire generations,” he said.
The competition is expected to attract emerging artists, schools, collectors, corporates, embassies and members of the public.
Zenda said the international support was an important step in exposing Zimbabwean artists to the international market.
“’Tsika Dzedu’ is our commitment to investing in people, culture and the future of Zimbabwean art. ArtGalZimCenter is partnering with Artgal.online Switzerland and the Embassy of India in Harare. “We are an art hub. Our mission is to discover grassroots talent, preserve our heritage through art and inspire generations. The prize money for the ‘Tsika Dzedu Exhibition and Competition’ is proudly sponsored by Artgal.online, Switzerland, under the administration of Mr. Dennis Ruf.”
He added: “This international support shows that the world is watching Zimbabwean talent.
“It also helps us reward our artists meaningfully. After the exhibition, ArtGalZimCenter plans to give the 3 top winners cash prize and artist representation on Artsy which is an international art platform.
“At the moment we are hosting and mentoring 10-15 promising artists in residency ,building an archive of contemporary Zimbabwean art, and strengthen partnerships with schools, brands, and collectors. We are looking forward to more collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships so we can reach more grassroots artists, preserve our heritage, and inspire future generations.”
Zenda said the centre hoped to secure more partnerships and sponsorships to reach more grassroots artists. He said that the initiative was also aimed at using art to promote social cohesion, economic empowerment and provide young people with positive opportunities.
