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Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu, Sunday Leisure Reporter
THE National Art Gallery in Bulawayo has called on aspiring artists to submit exhibition and residency proposals for the 2016 session saying this time established artists need not to apply.
The invitation is open to all artists interested in residency as well as solo and collaborative exhibitions in the gallery.
Clifford Zulu, the gallery curator said artists who have previously exhibited in the National Art Gallery in the last three years were not eligible to apply but can apply for the 2017 exhibitions going onwards.
“This time we are looking for fresh and young talent, we are giving youngsters the opportunity to exhibit at the gallery and giving our audience fresh talent. Previously established artists have been exhibiting at the gallery leaving the young ones out, so this time we are giving them a chance to exhibit,” he said.
He said the Art Gallery was committed to giving opportunities to emerging and under-represented artists to exhibit.
“We want to give under-represented artistes in the industry a chance to exhibit at the gallery, particularly female artists. The gallery is even in the process of funding female artists who wish to take up art. We believe when well supported they (female artists) will realise their dreams,” said Zulu.
He added that the gallery would offer three, six and 12 months residency and an exhibition at the end of the residency. The gallery would also offer subsidised accommodation materials and exhibition space for the six to 12 months residency. Those applying for the three months residency will be at the gallery. The gallery will provide a studio and exhibition space for the artists while they will be expected to cover transport, accommodation and material expenses. Zulu confirmed that the gallery had received a lot of response from the artists locally and internationally. “Local artistes have applied to exhibit at the gallery and also artists from as far as Germany and visual artists from Croatia and some from South Africa have applied,” said Zulu.
All applicants are expected to submit their proposals not later than 30 September 2015.
The Gallery offers a variety of exhibitions all year round, and houses a unique food outlet, Gallery Cafe.
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