Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe has appointed Zimpapers as its official media partner ahead of the 58th International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) conference, which will be held in Harare in November.
More than 300 museum directors and art professionals from across the globe are expected to attend the prestigious gathering, which is set to provide a major platform for Zimbabwe’s visual arts sector.
The conference comes at a time when demand for Zimbabwean artworks and cultural artefacts continues to grow internationally.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, National Gallery of Zimbabwe Executive Director Raphael Chikukwa said the decision to partner Zimpapers was informed by the media house’s extensive reach and longstanding commitment to promoting arts and culture.
“We have decided to engage Zimpapers as our media partner because of its reach and influence,” said Chikukwa.
“In terms of preparations, we have done our best and intend to reach out to as many people as possible ahead of the conference.
“We are looking forward to welcoming more than 300 guests who will grace the event.
“This is the first time Zimbabwe will host such a conference, bringing together museum directors from different parts of the world for such a momentous occasion.”
Chikukwa said local visual artists stand to benefit immensely from the three-day conference through networking opportunities, exhibitions and workshops.
“The conference will run for three days and feature a series of workshops.
“We are also going to open new studios in the Harare CBD and Mbare to ensure that artists, including those from places such as Tengenenge, have opportunities to exhibit their work.
“We want artists to fully benefit from this occasion because it is meant for them.”
He said renovation works at the National Gallery were progressing well ahead of the conference.
Co-sponsored by the Higherlife Foundation and the Mellon Foundation, the refurbishment project has already achieved significant milestones.
“In terms of renovations, I can safely say we have covered a lot of ground,” said Chikukwa.
“It is my hope that we will be finished very soon and be fully ready for the conference.” He assured art collectors and visual arts enthusiasts that the gallery would remain open during the renovation period.
“Art collectors can still come and view some of the collections we have at the gallery. We will not close because we want to ensure that operations continue as usual.
“We are also impressed by the work being done by our partners who have come on board to give the gallery a new look.”
Chikukwa also praised partners who have pledged support to other galleries as Zimbabwe prepares to host the international event.
Zimbabwe secured the right to host the CIMAM conference during the organisation’s recent meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
Notable attendees at the meeting included CIMAM president Suhanya Raffel, who is also the director of Museum M+ in Hong Kong, and Chikukwa, who represented Zimbabwe.
Other distinguished delegates included Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, president of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and co-host of the 2025 annual conference in Turin, as well as Elvira Dyangani Ose.
Following Zimbabwe’s successful bid, Chikukwa described the conference as a transformative opportunity for local visual artists, art collectors, and cultural enthusiasts.
“Zimbabwean artworks are in demand globally because of their uniqueness, and that is why many of our artists continue to exhibit around the world.
“The fact that our works are being showcased internationally demonstrates that Zimbabwe is a blessed nation that continues to produce exceptional talent.
“As CIMAM draws closer, we hope to make a lasting impression as a creative sector.”
Chikukwa said delegates would also be taken on a cultural tour of Masvingo to experience the Great Zimbabwe Monument.
“During the conference, we will organise a tour of Great Zimbabwe so that our guests can appreciate one of our most important heritage sites.
“We all know the value it carries, and the visit will also help us market Zimbabwe as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
“After the workshops, it is important for us to ensure that our guests enjoy what Zimbabwe has to offer, hence the tour of Great Zimbabwe.”
Hosting the CIMAM conference is expected to elevate Zimbabwe’s standing on the global cultural map while creating new opportunities for local artists and institutions. Beyond showcasing the country’s rich artistic heritage, the event presents a rare chance to strengthen international partnerships, promote cultural tourism, and position Zimbabwe as a leading destination for contemporary art and creative excellence in Africa.
