Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Renovations at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Harare are now in full swing, with arts regulatory leaders set to give the facility a much-needed facelift.
NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa, who is overseeing the refurbishments powered by the Higherlife Foundation, expressed his delight at the progress being made at this esteemed arts hub.
“Renovations at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe are ongoing, encompassing everything from a new water fountain to making the gallery more environmentally friendly, with new toilets, updated lighting and a solar-powered borehole,” Chikukwa emphasised.
“The move to rejuvenate the gallery has been long overdue, especially considering the facility’s need for such a significant upgrade.”
He highlighted that the Higherlife Foundation has also repainted the gallery, refurbished staff toilets and erected a new perimeter security fence.
“Soon, the gallery will embrace sustainable practices, being powered by solar energy 24/7, and CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the premises.”
Chikukwa praised the Higherlife Foundation, which has pledged to refurbish other galleries in anticipation of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) conference scheduled for next year at the NGZ.
A tour of the facility yesterday revealed workers diligently engaged in their tasks.
“The renovations have been underway for the past few weeks in preparation for the 58th CIMAM conference, which will bring together over 300 global museum directors and curators to Zimbabwe,” he noted.
“They are also set to refurbish another gallery in Bulawayo and one in Victoria Falls, which was donated by the mayor of Victoria Falls. We are transforming an old building into a beautiful gallery and we are grateful for everything they have done for us.”
Chikukwa was optimistic that Zimbabwe’s galleries would be ready ahead of the CIMAM conference next year.
“At the pace we are moving, I am confident everything will be ready for the conference.
“We can’t thank the Higherlife Foundation enough for this gesture, as they have breathed new life into our facilities.
“Of course, we also receive assistance from the Mellon Foundation, but this gesture is significant considering it is coming from locals who have decided to partner with us at a time we needed them the most. This should come as good news for the creatives whose art collections are being kept at these galleries.”
Zimbabwe won the bid to host CIMAM recently during a conference held in Barcelona, Spain.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Suhanya Raffel, president of CIMAM and Museum Director of Museum M+ in Hong Kong, as well as Chikukwa, director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Other distinguished guests included Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, president of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and co-host of the 2025 annual conference in Turin, and Elvira Dyangani Ose.
In June, after Zimbabwe won the bid to host CIMAM, Chikukwa emphasised that hosting the conference represents a transformative opportunity for local visual artists, art collectors and enthusiasts. “The hosting of the CIMAM Annual Conference in Zimbabwe in 2026 is significant not only for our nation but for Africa as a whole. This event will bring together at least 300 global museum directors and curators, allowing them to experience Zimbabwean art firsthand.
“It provides a unique opportunity for both artists and curators to engage with global museum leaders attending the conference. Furthermore, this will be the first time the CIMAM Annual Conference is held in Africa,” he stated.
“The CIMAM Annual Conference will also promote cultural tourism in a big way, benefiting hotels and tour companies. Hosting the CIMAM Annual Conference is a form of soft power, and the gallery also thanks our parent Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture for allowing us to think beyond our borders.”
Meanwhile, Higherlife Foundation representative Tsitsi Masiyiwa shared their delight in refurbishing local galleries ahead of CIMAM in a statement.
“One of my daughters, who studied art and is actively engaged with some of the world’s great museums and galleries, including the Serpentine, the National Gallery and Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, opened my eyes.
“She experienced firsthand the deep admiration and respect the world has for Zimbabwean art, introduced me to the incredible work of Doreen Sibanda and Raphael Chikukwa, respected curators of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, and reminded me that our art tells stories that transcend time.
“I have since come to realise that our history, culture and stories are not just treasures of the past — they are living gifts we inherit and must safeguard. They grounded us in values of respect, dignity and the power of community. Last week, the Higherlife Foundation launched a new Arts & Culture Pillar, a milestone that fills me with pride. Thank you, Joanna, for inspiring this journey. We have already begun supporting the renovation of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, including its galleries in Harare and Bulawayo, as well as the Victoria Falls National Gallery, in preparation for the upcoming CIMAM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art, an event that will shine a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s artistic brilliance,” she stressed.
Zimbabwe has, over the years, proven to be a hotbed for visual artists who have vastly toured the world.
