Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE historic walls of the Bulawayo Club are set to come alive this weekend, transforming into a vibrant hub of art, hospitality, and dialogue as they host, Sanctuary: Art in Hospitality, an innovative art auction exhibition curated and directed by acclaimed visual artist, Danisile Ncube.
Ncube, a versatile visual artist, sculptor and photographer — and a key figure behind the collective ArtBulawayo — described the exhibition as a deliberate act of creating refuge through creativity.
“The essence of Sanctuary is about creating a space for reflection, warmth and connection. By merging contemporary art with the timeless hospitality of the Bulawayo Club, we’re crafting an environment that invites pause and contemplation,” said Ncube.
He said that the central theme, Sanctuary, guided the rigorous curation process.
“It led us to select works that evoke comfort, introspection and belonging, while also challenging us to consider what sanctuary means today, in a world that feels increasingly fragmented.”
The open call to artists attracted a diverse range of submissions, with selections based on authenticity, storytelling, material sensitivity and — given the auction element — artistic depth and collectability.
“The goal was to find artworks that welcome the viewer, that hold emotional or conceptual space for reflection. Ultimately, each artist contributes a visual dialogue that complements the intimacy and history of the Bulawayo Club,” Ncube said.
He noted that the silent auction will unfold alongside a sophisticated dinner, transforming the event “from a formal transaction into a shared encounter. Guests won’t merely observe the art; they’ll live with it for an evening, surrounded by conversation, taste and atmosphere. That sense of intimacy makes art more personal and memorable.”
Importantly, the Bulawayo Club itself will serve as more than just a backdrop.
“The Bulawayo Club is a character in this story, not just a venue. The exhibition will utilise its colonial-era architecture, hallways, lounges and rich history as integral components. Its layered past and old-world charm offer a profound dialogue with contemporary art. The Club becomes a living partner in the concept of Sanctuary — a place where the past and present coexist through art, memory and renewal.”
Adding to the immersive experience, the event will feature a stellar line-up of entertainment. Popular stand-up comedian Frank Chirisa, will serve as MC, while the acclaimed acapella group Ihawu Lesizwe, will serenade guests with soulful performances. Adding a touch of nostalgia, the Vintage Culture group will showcase classic fashion apparel from the 1950s to the 1970s, completing the evening’s refined fusion of art, music and style.
Ncube encouraged guests to embrace the retro spirit by adhering to the vintage-inspired dress code for the evening.
The event also marks a significant milestone for ArtBulawayo, celebrating its first anniversary since launching last October with the exhibition Resonance in Silence — Bulawayo Speaks at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo. — @MbuleloMpofu
