Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in Venice, Italy
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has said Zimbabwe is steadily maturing in the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage as the country continues to learn from nations with long-established traditions of cultural conservation and artistic excellence.
Speaking after touring the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, VP Mohadi said Harare’s continued participation in one of the world’s premier contemporary art exhibitions reflects the country’s growing presence on the global cultural stage and its commitment to showcasing local talent internationally.
Five Zimbabwean artists — Eva Raath, Pardon Mapondera, Franklyn Dzingai, Felix Shumba and Gideon Gomo — are exhibiting at the Zimbabwe Pavilion under the theme, “The Nature/Manyonga.”
Zimbabwe first participated in the prestigious exhibition in 2011 and has maintained a consistent presence ever since.
More than 300 visitors have been visiting the Zimbabwe Pavilion daily over the past week, underscoring growing international interest in Zimbabwean art and culture.
VP Mohadi also toured the Giardini Central Pavilion and the Arsenale Pavilion, where artists from across Africa and other parts of the world are exhibiting.
Expressing pride in Zimbabwe’s achievements on the international arts scene, VP Mohadi said the country had made significant strides within a relatively short period.
“Before we talk about the message, I must say too that I’m very much impressed by what Zimbabweans are doing, because this Biennale here is one place where the finest arts are actually exhibited.
“It means we, as Zimbabweans, have actually been broken into that preserved area which was mainly reserved for whites and we are now there as Zimbabweans,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe’s participation demonstrates the ability of local artists to compete with some of the best talent from around the world.
“We are exhibiting the art of work, what our people can do, and this ‘Manyonga/Second Nature’ goes to show how we as Zimbabweans can do this and we can even do better.
“We are talking about only 15 years; yes, but other people have been in this business for centuries, but within 15 years we are where we are, so we are very much grateful for the progress that we have made as a nation and we are able to do more,” he said.
VP Mohadi said culture plays a critical role in national development and identity, adding that countries that fail to preserve their heritage risk losing their historical foundations.
“You see, a person without culture, without a background, is a dead person.
“You are not recognised at all, but when we put this together with our 2030 agenda, where we are trying to get our people to an upper-middle income in society or economy, and through the steps that we have taken ourselves through (you become visible).”
He added that cultural development complements broader national aspirations embodied in Vision 2030 and successive economic blueprints.
He also highlighted the importance of telling Zimbabwe’s story through its own people, artists and cultural institutions, saying citizens remain best placed to narrate their own experiences and aspirations.
On lessons from Italy, VP Mohadi said the European nation’s centuries-long commitment to preserving culture and heritage offered valuable insights for Zimbabwe.
“Well, Italy, or let’s say Rome, is known for its cultural diversity and also been like that for ages. So, it has been doing this during the Roman Empire, even before that.
“Now, as Zimbabweans, as a young nation, we are learning quite a lot from what they’ve done, and how we should be preserving what was our people, what they did.
“We need to preserve that. So, we are learning a lot,” he said.
While acknowledging that Zimbabwe still has a long way to go, VP Mohadi expressed optimism about the future.
“We are not equal to the cultural development that we have here but we are going to get there, better late than never.”
VP Mohadi was accompanied by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, Permanent Secretary in his Office Dr Benson Martins Dube and other Government officials.
