Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in VENICE, Italy
Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi arrived in Italy last night for the 2026 International Art Exhibition Venice Biennale, where five Zimbabwean artists are participating.
He was received at the Venice Marco Polo Airport by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Italy, Ms Mietani Chauke and other officials.
The VP was accompanied by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, Permanent Secretary in his Office Dr Benson Martins Dube and other Government officials.
Speaking after his arrival, VP Mohadi said Zimbabwe was proud to once again participate in the prestigious international exhibition.
Zimbabwe began participating in the Venice Biennale in 2011.
“I don’t think it’s the first time we have participated here as Zimbabwe, but what is important about this event is that quite a number of artists from all over the world are exhibiting their showcase and their business,” he said.
“But, we here as Zimbabwe, the men and women of Zimbabwe; we are proud to be a part of this.
“So, we have come here to benchmark and see what we can possibly do, where we have shortcomings and where we can actually improve ourselves on. That’s why we are here.”
The 61st Venice Biennale, which started on May 9 and ends on November 22, is running under the theme; “The Nature/Manyonga”.
The five Zimbabwean artists participating at the exhibition are Eva Raath, Pardon Mapondera, Franklyn Dzingai, Felix Shumba and Gideon Gomo.
VP Mohadi and his delegation are expected to tour the Zimbabwe Pavilion, where the five artists are exhibiting.
The delegation is also expected to visit the Giardini Central Pavilion, which is hosting Zimbabwe’s Georgina Maxim, Malawi’s Billie Zangewa and the Nairobi Contemporary Institute of Kenya.
They will also visit the pavilions of Ghana’s Godfrey Donkor, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Sammy Baloji and Senegal’s Isa Samb.
VP Mohadi is also expected to tour the Arsenale Pavilion, where Zimbabwe’s Georgina Maxim, Kenya’s Kaloki Nyamai and South Africa’s Helen Sibidi and Senzeni Marasela are exhibiting.
He is also expected to visit the Spain Pavilion.
daniel chigunwe