Benhura relishes 58th CIMAM conference

Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub 

Renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura asserts that the forthcoming 58th International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) Annual Conference will be a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s visual arts sector, offering significant opportunities for local artists to present their work globally.

Scheduled for November 20-22 in Harare, the conference will bring together at least 300 museum directors, curators, and art professionals from around the world.

The landmark gathering is expected to provide a rare platform for Zimbabwean painters, sculptors, printmakers, and mixed-media artists to engage with leading figures in the international art world.

Benhura, regarded among Zimbabwe’s leading stone sculptors, endorsed the conference, noting it will raise the profile of the country’s creative industry and introduce local talent to a global audience.

“I welcome the conference as a great opportunity for us to market our work, and I am delighted that the delegation will also tour our facility in Greendale, Harare,” he said.

“At Dominic Studios in Greendale, we have nurtured many artists over the years, and it will be encouraging for the delegates to appreciate the work we are doing.

“We are grateful that the National Gallery of Zimbabwe has managed to bring such a significant event to Zimbabwe, where leading minds will deliberate on key issues affecting the visual arts sector.

“For us, interacting with global art collectors, museum directors, and curators is a major achievement in itself.”

Benhura, who has exhibited extensively abroad, said the conference would also inspire and empower the young sculptors he mentors at his studio.

“I conduct classes at my studios in Greendale and currently work with 10 resident artists.

“We are committed to nurturing a new generation of sculptors who are passionate about the profession and preserving Zimbabwe’s rich sculptural heritage.”

The 58-year-old artist also noted that the conference comes at a crucial time, as the sector continues to grapple with the challenge of art piracy.

“At the moment, we are working hard to address the issue of piracy, where some individuals are producing imitations instead of authentic artwork.

“This has become a major challenge, and we have taken several cases to court.

“We want this issue to be addressed for the growth and sustainability of the sector.

“It has always been my wish to see artists thrive through original work.

“As one of the advocates of authenticity, I will continue pushing for genuine artistic expression,” he said.

Benhura urged local visual artists to make the most of the conference by learning from internationally renowned museum professionals.

“This is the best opportunity for serious artists in Zimbabwe to showcase their talent and learn from the best.

“There may be challenges such as piracy in stone sculpture, but the industry will never die.

“Authentic artists will always stand-out, while those who copy others will not go far.

“I hope local artists will learn from the visiting museum directors and curators that authentic work is what truly commands value.”

Benhura’s call for authenticity comes as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe intensifies preparations for the landmark conference.

Zimbabwe secured the right to host the 58th CIMAM Annual Conference last year in Barcelona, Spain, during an event held at the residence of renowned art collector Han Nefkens, founder of the Han Nefkens Foundation.

The gathering was attended by CIMAM president and Museum M+ director Suhanya Raffel, National Gallery of Zimbabwe executive director Raphael Chikukwa, Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, president of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and co-host of the 2025 conference in Turin, as well as Elvira Dyangani Ose.

The Harare conference will mark the first time the prestigious CIMAM Annual Conference is held on African soil.

Besides providing local artists with opportunities to network with leading museum directors and curators, the conference is expected to boost cultural tourism, benefiting hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related businesses.

It will feature exhibitions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration between Zimbabwean artists and international museum leaders.

National Gallery of Zimbabwe executive director Chikukwa recently told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that the institution is committed to ensuring local artists fully benefit from the conference.

“The conference will run for three days and feature a series of workshops.

“We are also going to open new studios in the Harare CBD and Mbare to ensure that artists, including those from places such as Tengenenge, have opportunities to exhibit their work.

“We want artists to fully benefit from this occasion because it is meant for them.”

Beyond showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich artistic heritage, the conference presents a rare opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, promote cultural tourism, and position Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s leading destinations for contemporary art and creative excellence.