daniel chigunwe
Richard Nyamanhindi
Arts Correspondent
An inspiring and innovative exhibition recently took place in Harare as part of the Art and Ecology Laboratory of Ideas project, hosted by the Creative Lounge Trust and curated by Laura Fungai Ganda.
This event showcased a blend of art and ecological awareness, emphasising the importance of sustainability in creative expression.
Supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, this ground-breaking event highlighted how art can transform waste into beauty, addressing the pressing challenges of garbage management in urban areas.
The exhibition featured the remarkable works of artists Victor Nyakauru, Clive Mukucha, Shalom Kufakwatenzi, Tinotenda Chivhinge, Nothando Chiwanga, and Damien Grant.
Their creations celebrated environmental consciousness while exploring how public art can be a vibrant part of civic life.
Each piece re-imagined waste, sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability, urban resilience, and the role of creativity in fostering community engagement and action.
A key highlight of the initiative is its ambition to collaborate with the City and Town Councils and the Ministry of Local Government to bring these artworks into public spaces across Zimbabwe.
The goal is to transform urban landscapes with art that not only inspires, but also symbolises sustainability and community pride.
During the exhibition opening, Swiss Ambassador Stéphane Rey praised the initiative, emphasising the transformative power of art in tackling environmental issues.
“This project sits at the intersection of creativity and climate action, re-imagining how art can address Zimbabwe’s pressing environmental challenges.
“By supporting this initiative, Switzerland reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of creativity and collaboration to build a more sustainable future,” said Ambassador Rey.
Curator Ganda described the exhibition as “a platform to spark conversations about waste management and sustainability, making art a conduit for civic engagement.”
“This exhibition serves as a powerful call to action, inviting communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to support public-facing exhibitions that address environmental issues.
“Public art has the unique ability to engage and educate the community, transforming public spaces into platforms for dialogue and action.
“To achieve this, it is crucial to foster key negotiations that allow the co-existence of art, public spaces, and urban development. By working together, artists, city planners, and government officials can create vibrant, sustainable urban environments that reflect the community’s values and aspirations,” said Ganda.
The Art and Ecology Exhibition marks the beginning of a transformative journey where art plays a pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and action.
With the support of local artists, municipalities, and international collaborators, this initiative has the potential to inspire significant changes in how cities manage waste and promote sustainability.
The exhibition serves as a call to action, inviting communities to rethink waste, appreciate the creative possibilities within it, and work towards a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
Environmental issues need to be tackled seriously, as they have a bearing on people’s lives.
