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Trust Khosa
As the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit euphoria grips Zimbabwe, creatives have already played their part in embracing this event.
Visual artists, curators and gallery owners are well-geared in their quest to showcase their art collections to delegates.
Not only are they showcasing powerful art collections, but the event affords the visual artists a chance to tell a refreshing African story through their creativity.
As delegates from the 16-member continue arriving, below is what to expect from showbiz in Harare:
NGZ Embraces SADC Summit
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Harare is under the spotlight with a premier visual arts exhibition underway.
Dubbed “InnovateSADC: Transformation and Unity in Southern Africa through the Arts”, the exhibition will go a long way in enlightening guests attending the summit on what African artists can offer.
Some of the collections on offer were created more than half a century ago, which has raised its appeal.
Arts collections from the Tengenenge Arts Community in Guruve, Mashonaland Central, were mounted way before the Summit.
A plus for NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa, her team has brought some breathtakingly crafted collections from Tengenenge for the summit.
The arts hub has produced some of the finest names in stone sculpture.
These include Fanizani Akuda, Henry Munyaradzi, Joram Mariga, Bernard Matemera, Sylvester Mubayi, Henry Mukarobgwa, Henry Munyaradzi, Joseph Ndandarika, Richard Mteki, Colleen Madamombe (the best-known female sculptor) Bernard Takawira and his brother John Takawira and the Mukomberaanwa family.
According to their curatorial statement, the exhibition celebrates the intersection of creativity, technology, and social change within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The artworks also bridge cultural divides, emphasising shared experiences and interconnectedness across SADC nations.
A collection of magnificent artworks from other countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are also on display on the lower deck of the NGZ.
InnovateSADC is certain to get positive feedback since it acts as a celebration of arts where art meets innovation, fostering a resilient and united Southern Africa.
Over the years, there have been calls for visual artists from the 16-member bloc to combine forces, a call that will be answered during the summit.
NGZ students’ big weekend
Visual arts students from NGZ and other galleries around Zimbabwe have been afforded yet another opportunity to market their wares during the summit.
After last month’s call by NGZ chiefs for students to submit their art collections with them, lives are likely to be changed as some of the art collections will be showcased in Harare.
It takes patience for visual artists to realise their potential as some of the works’ appreciate over time.
Visual artists’ interface on course
The one-day visual arts exhibition dubbed “The Business of Art” today is no doubt one of the fascinating initiatives set to empower local creatives.
Open to all visual artists determined to enhance their knowledge in line with changing trends, the event is facilitated by Handirubvi Herring, a Master of Arts Teaching degree holder from George Washington University, US.
The workshop provides a perfect opportunity for visual artists to master self-management and marketing skills.
A physical and visual meeting will run concurrently during the workshop.
“The workshop is open to all the visual artists who want to understand how to do business in this era of technology.
“We are not restricting people because we want to engage all the visual artists as we seek to empower them to do business online,” she said.
Top visual arts education curator, Senzeni Tandani, is among the facilitators of the event which is open to the public.
Locally, Zimbabwe boasts of creatives who are touring the world showcasing their wares among them Moffat Takadiwa, Dominic Benhura, and Tapfuma Gutsa among others.
Bikita hosts Heroes and Defence Forces gala
All the roads will be leading to Gwindingwi High School in Bikita, Masvingo for this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces gala.
The event kicks off at 6pm ending tomorrow morning.
In line with the Government’s mantra of decentralising national events, all the attention will be on Nyika Growth Point today.
Mark Ngwazi, Andy Muridzo and Tendai Dembo are set to headline this year’s edition.
Chillspot Family led by DJ Fantan will cater for Zimdancehall lovers along with Ras Caleb and Jah Master.
Revolutionary singer Chief Hwenje, ZCC Defe Dopota Brass Band, ZDF Band, SPCS Band, ZRP Band, Great Zimbabwe Choir, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Mulombosi Express, Shantel Sithole, Igwe Liner & Chirambamuriwo, Umkhati, Loveness Mainato and Dorcas Moyo are part of the line-up.
Online Reporter