National Gallery hosts kids exhibition

Lifestyle Writer

A visual exhibition featuring 16 children aged between five and 14 is running at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare.

Dubbed “Africa Alive! Uncovering Africa Through Young Eyes”, the exhibition is a precursor to the SADC summit taking place on August 17.

It was curated by the Kids’ African History Club, which mentors young creatives.

Those taking part include Aliyah Michaela Ndlovu, Cleo Julia Wakeling, Lanthe Mhiza, Janelle Chikomo, Jasper Coen Wakeling, Jelani Chikomo, Juna Donna Wakeling, Mayah Jordan Ndlovu, Micah Nathaniel, Unathi Ndlovu, Mufaro Tsanga, Munesu Tsanga, Phoebe Joy Albertyn, Rudo Tsanga, Rumbidzai Tsanga and Zoe Mhiza.

According to their curatorial statement, the dynamic showcase features a diverse range of artwork exploring Africa’s rich and complex history, from ancient civilisations to the continent’s contemporary challenges.

Through painting, sculpture and other creative mediums, young artists delve into themes such as geography, cultural heritage and the fight for freedom.

Founded by Nomkhita Ndlovu, the Kids’ African History Club seeks to foster critical thinking, creativity and a strong sense of identity.

“Our mission is to preserve Africa’s legacy from the grassroots level,” said Ndlovu.

“By empowering young people to engage with history through art, we hope to inspire a generation of leaders and change-makers.”

The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the National Gallery of Zimbabwe and the Kids’ African History Club, and it serves as a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to prioritise African history in the                             curriculum.

Ndlovu is a seasoned conversation architect with proven experience in creative and strategic communications, public relations, fundraising, research, video and podcast production and event organisation.

She has a unique blend of qualifications in science, art history and psychology and an intimate knowledge of the art and culture sector across the African continent.

She has worked with some leading brands such as the Rockefeller Foundation ( New York); TED (New York), BBC and McKinsey & Co, as as well as a slew of South African start-ups and social impact ventures like the David and Tracey Frankel Foundation and Martin Moshal’s scholarship programme helping them to launch and scale their special projects.