Mellon Foundation extends US$500K grant to national gallery

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

The Mellon Foundation has awarded the National Gallery of Zimbabwe a US$500 000 grant to support the development of the museum’s infrastructure.

The grant shall be utilised to refurbish the gallery’s amenities, including the installation of a brand new air conditioning system, a fire suppression system, access control and security systems.
In a statement, the executive director of the

National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mr Raphael Chikukwa said the grant will ensure that the gallery stands at par with other international institutions.

“The grant has come as a lifesaving mechanism after years of seeking partnerships that could encourage the rehabilitation of the museum’s amenities,” he said.

Mr Chikukwa said the gallery was grateful to the Mellon Foundation for their generous contribution.

“The bequest will take the National Gallery of Zimbabwe towards world class status, and as a national treasure, contribute to the proper management and preservation of the permanent collection for the foreseeable future,” he said.

“The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is committed to promote, develop and safeguard Zimbabwe’s visual arts while fostering a vibrant art ecosystem.

“It has received the grant in line with the Mellon Foundation’s mission of building communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive.”