Artists urged to take up studio space

Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
THE National Art Gallery in Bulawayo has announced that studio space is still available and is calling upon visual artists who wish to be part of the institution next year to apply for the space. The gallery offers studio space to budding artists annually for a period of 12 months.

In an interview, gallery director, Voti Thebe said studio space was still available for occupation from January.
“We have a total of 13 studios but as I speak now we have five free studios and we are calling upon budding artists particularly those who are fresh from college. The main idea of giving them first preference is for nurturing them to be successful artists as well as giving them a platform to meet other artists and host their own exhibitions here,” said Thebe.

He urged female artists to apply for space as there were few female artists in the field.
“We are urging female artists to come in as well. Right now we have only three female artists and it is our wish to have more female artists coming in with their work because they are lagging behind,” he said.

The veteran artist explained that for one to be awarded studio space they have to bring a portfolio of their latest works or achievements and also pay a minimal fee for the space.

“The period is often a year for all artists but if they show improvement they can get a contract for another year.”
Thebe added that performing artists would only get space if visual artists fail to take up all the studios.

The National Gallery in Bulawayo has given platform to a number of artists from different institutions namely Mzilikazi Craft Centre, Bulawayo Polytechnic among other institutions.

There is a lot of activity in the studios as individual artists take time to do their work with veteran artists taking their time to assist them.
The results from the work of the artists in the studios are often solo exhibitions mounted by the artists.

Apart from nurturing the artists, they are also trained to be professional and given skills of marketing their works.