NGZ in Bulawayo aims for greater inclusion of female artists in Residency Programme

THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo has officially opened applications for its 2025 Residency Programme, but the spotlight has turned to an ongoing challenge: the low uptake of female artists.

NGZ in Bulawayo Regional Manager Silenkosi Moyo spoke to Chronicle Showbiz and expressed both concern and optimism regarding the gender imbalance within the programme.

Moyo highlighted a significant disparity in participation rates between male and female artists. This year, the gallery hosted six talented female artists, a notable increase from previous years, but still overshadowed by the nine male artists who participated.
“This is a slight improvement compared to 2023,” Moyo noted, “but it serves as a reminder that we must be intentional in our efforts to seek out female artists for this self-funded residency.”

The NGZ is committed to fostering a more inclusive environment and has begun implementing initiatives specifically designed for female artists.
One such initiative is participating in the “Vital Voices” exhibition commemorating International Women’s Day.
“By encouraging collaboration and connection among female artists, we aim to create a supportive network that not only challenges existing norms but also ensures that female voices are celebrated and represented in the artistic landscape,” Moyo stated.

This year, the gallery saw a commendable 100% rise in female participation. The six female artists included local talents such as Sinqobile S Dube, Tendai Mandira, and Nomathemba Hilda Dube, as well as international participants Piyali Gosh from India and Fungayi Marima from the UK. Their inclusion signifies a positive trend and a step towards addressing the historic gender imbalance in the arts.

Moyo concluded with a call to action for female artists to take advantage of this opportunity for growth, collaboration, and networking. Interested artists can apply for the Residency Programme through the following link: https://forms.gle/vPnyLQRhqWobdK6G9.

As the NGZ in Bulawayo continues to champion diversity and inclusion, it remains hopeful that increased awareness and dedicated initiatives will pave the way for a more balanced representation of female artists in the future. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu