Artists’ welfare under spotlight

Trust Khosa

VISUAL artists and administrators will exchange notes during the National Gallery of Zimbabwe annual general meeting (AGM) taking place in Harare on July 25.

This is would be the first edition after lockdown.

Running under the banner, “The Committee of the Friends of the Gallery”, the one-day event is meant to usher in a new executive.

Currently, the interim committee is led by chairperson Victor Nyakauru along with Chemwi Mwauyakufa (secretary) and treasurer Thelma  Boetterich.

In an interview, NGZ assistant curator, Zvikomborero Mandangu, who doubles as information and public relations officer, confirmed the upcoming AGM, which is meant to map a way forward for 2024-2026 period.

“The purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to select a new committee,” he said.

“The position of the ‘Friends of the Gallery’ concerns fundraising activities for the upcoming year 2025/26, partnerships with organisations within the arts, culture, heritage and hospitality nexus and the preservation and expansion of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s permanent collection.” 

Mandangu said the AGM will also look into the welfare of creatives.

“The plight of visual artists will be under the spotlight at the AGM after they last held a similar gathering in 2019.

“Ever since that time, we have not met as creatives because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“The term of the previous committee lapsed and is now being led by an interim executive that will lead the deliberations on July 25.”

The affable creator, who has a strong passion for arts development, said the event was open for subscribed members.

“We have over 70 members whom we expect to attend and it’s also open for schools, colleges and the corporate world.

“The event will go a long way in mapping a way forward for artists as well as collections of artworks,” he said.

During the build-up to the event, Mandangu added that the NGZ will also hold a familiarisation tour of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

“The familiarisation tour on July 18 is open to our old and new                                      members.

“We have invited our members who are interested in visual arts,” he said.

A precursor to the AGM, the familiarisation tour is the best opportunity for creatives to exchange notes.

Some of the visual artists who showcased their art collection at NGZ are now doing well overseas.

Nyakauru, who honed his skills at NGZ, is one of the artists whose art collections are in demand in overseas galleries.

The same goes for Moffat Takadiwa who has also made an impression overseas.

A humble visual artist who uses recycled material has been touring Romania, Austria and China in recent weeks.

His breakthrough continues to inspire young artists itching for international exposure.

Lack of exposure has been the biggest let down to other visual artists who don’t have strong links.

The upcoming AGM at NGZ will also tackle issues to do with synergies, collaborations and aggressive marketing.