Sundaymail Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe is making huge strides in promoting artistic innovation and sustainability, celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage through a series of creative initiatives.
The latest expression of this vision is the Art and Ecology Laboratory of Ideas Exhibition, launched on Thursday at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo.
The exhibition is a fusion of artistic creativity and ecological awareness aimed at sparking dialogue around sustainability, waste reimagination and urban resilience.
Speaking at the exhibition’s opening, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Stéphane Rey reaffirmed the European country’s dedication to supporting the arts through the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Fund.
“We are committed to championing art and sustainability through creative, collaborative initiatives. Art drives social change, civic engagement and environmental awareness, especially through visionary projects like this, which merge artistic expression and ecological consciousness,” said Amb Rey.
As a symbolic gesture, Amb Rey presented an Art and Ecology piece to Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable development.
According to Richard Nyamanhindi, communication and culture officer at the Swiss Embassy, the exhibition demonstrates how art can inspire action on key environmental issues.
“This showcase highlights the power of creativity to reimagine waste and stimulate conversations about sustainability and urban resilience. It also explores how public art can foster civic engagement and become a vibrant part of everyday life,” he said.
The embassy plans to collaborate with city councils and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to bring these art installations into public spaces across Zimbabwe, transforming them into lasting symbols of community pride and ecological responsibility.
Featured artists include Victor Nyakauru, Clive Mukucha, Shalom Kufakwatenzi, Tinotenda Chivhinge, Nothando Chiwanga and Damien Grant.
The exhibition is curated by Laura Fungai Ganda of Creative Lounge Trust, with a special performance, a “disruption” of one of the pieces, by Bulawayo-based artist Fisani Nkomo.
In a further boost to the local creative industry, the embassy, supported by Stimulus Africa Foundation, recently announced the awardees of the first SSADZA Open Call, showcasing a diverse range of projects.
These include:
Film: A short film addressing intergenerational cultural themes.
Music: Festivals promoting inclusivity and spotlighting musicians with disabilities.
Cross-disciplinary collaborations: Fusing poetry, digital art and fashion.
Notable awardees include artists Makanaka Mavengere, Jesesi Mungoshi, Steven Chigorimbo, Charlene Mangweni-Furusa, Thuthukani Ndlovu, Chipo Muchegwa, Pauline Gundidza, Sithandazile Gumbo, Vuyo Brown and Jacqueline Mpofu.
Art collectives POVO Afrika and Ndau Festival of the Arts also received funding.
The SSADZA Fund will issue two calls per year over the next four years, creating sustained opportunities for Zimbabwean artists to showcase their talents and contribute to meaningful change.
To guide aspiring applicants, the Swiss Embassy and Stimulus Africa Foundation will soon host an Application Process Workshop.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter