Wetlands to feature in schools exhibition

Lovemore Meya Arts Correspondent
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe will this Saturday officially open their Annual Schools Art Exhibition Tavatose/Sisonke 2015 which seeks to explore the vanishing of wetlands. It is being hosted in conjunction with the Environmental Management Agency and will run from July 4 to 27 under the theme, “Going . . . Going . . . Gone: Vanishing Wetlands”. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface for the varying periods of time during the year, including growing season.

The exhibition will see a collection of artworks from more than 10 schools starting from pre-school, junior, high and senior school across the country.

Primary schools to showcase their artworks include ST Thomas Aquinas from Bulawayo, Mutare Junior, Kenzamba and Emerald Hill School of the Deaf while secondary schools include Mandedza High and Chipangura.

EMA director-general Mrs Mutsa Chasi will be the guest of honour

The exhibition’s aim is to promote artistic talent at a young age while focusing on specific areas of concern for the nation and develop a greater awareness of the importance of preserving wet- lands.

It is being conducted with the hope of developing awareness at an early age, issues around availability or non-availability of water and its consequences on people’s lives.

The gallery’s education officer, Mr Akim Nyakudya, said: “The focus of this exhibition is to develop in the youths microscopic views of wetlands, what is living there, flora and fauna and the importance of sustainably preserving the ecosystem.”

Added Mr Nyakudya: “This platform is for the youths to showcase their creativity in a way that contributes to a better society. We are also planning to provide a platform from which our institution can assess areas where art teachers need assistance in terms of art education.”

EMA’s environmental education ad publicity manager, Mr Steady Kangata, said his organisation has recognised the importance of stakeholders’ participation.

“Stakeholders participation helps to promote and foster environmental stewardship and management. Therefore, the focus of this exhibition acts as an avenue to cascade environmental information to the wider society of Zimbabwe,” he said.

He advised people to seek advice and written approval from EMA before developing any structure on a wetland.