Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
NESTLED in the heart of Bulawayo, the National Gallery is more than just an imposing physical structure. It is a vibrant cultural hub that pulsates with creativity and intellectual curiosity.
As a premier institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion and celebration of Zimbabwean art and culture, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo has become a beacon of artistic expression and a catalyst for community engagement that fits well in driving the national aspirations of having an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 in the arts sector.
Through its diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, the Gallery offers a unique window into the country’s rich cultural heritage, while also providing a platform for contemporary artists to showcase their innovative and often provocative works.
Speaking to Sunday Life, the National Gallery’s regional manager in Bulawayo, Silenkosi Moyo said the gallery is devoted to highlighting pivotal works, fostering and enhancing existing talent, training and developing artistic skills, educating, empowering, mediating and above all, celebrating art.
“The gallery hosts a non-circulating library with a strong emphasis on texts covering African modern art, providing a valuable resource for researchers and art enthusiasts alike,” she said.
Moyo highlighted the gallery’s unshakable commitment to strike a balance between showcasing local talent and hosting international artists and exhibitions.
“By providing a platform for local artists, it aims to promote the growth and development of the local art scene while hosting international exhibitions and artists as well as providing valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and learning,” Moyo said.
She added that with such a balanced approach, the gallery hopes to create a vibrant and dynamic art scene that benefits both local and international artists.
She also pointed out the process for selecting artists and exhibitions that involves a meticulous review of submissions and proposals.
“The gallery provides a link for artists interested in being considered for its residency programme and plans its exhibition calendar a year in advance. When selecting exhibitions, the team seeks compelling concepts that showcase a diverse range of works, from past to present,” Moyo said.
“The vision is to provide a dynamic platform for artists to showcase their creativity while inspiring meaningful connections with the audience through innovative, thought-provoking, and visually stunning exhibitions.”
Moyo emphasised that as the gallery looks toward the future, its goal remains focused on adapting to and embracing contemporary art trends while scaling up past projects.
“The leadership aims to align its efforts with the national vision of becoming an upper-middle society by 2030. A key aspect of this vision is the empowerment of artists, providing them with the resources and support necessary for their success,” said Moyo.
“Excitement builds around how these efforts will contribute to the growth and development of the local art scene,” she said.
