Story by Oleen Ndori
VICE President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi says Zimbabwean artists can benefit from international platforms such as the Venice Biennale by exchanging knowledge and learning global best practices in the arts sector.
His remarks come as Zimbabwe prepares to host the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) conference later this year, the first time in the organisation’s 64-year history that the event will be held on the African continent.
Concluding his visit to Venice, Italy, Vice President Mohadi said Zimbabwe could draw valuable lessons from Italy’s preservation of its cultural heritage.
“Italy is known for its cultural diversity, and it has been that way for ages. If Zimbabwe is a young nation, we are learning a lot from what they have done and how they preserve their artefacts and the history of their people. We need to preserve our own heritage. We are not at the same level of cultural development as Italy, but we will get there,” he said.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, said hosting CIMAM reflects growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s arts sector.
“Davos of museum professionals is a historic milestone for Zimbabwe and the African continent. It marks the first time this global network of museum directors and curators will meet in Africa. This event cements our standing as a key player in the global visual arts community and provides a unique platform for us to contribute to international dialogue on museum practice,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi viewed works by Zimbabwean artist Georgina Maxim during his visit, while Misheck Masamvu and Moffat Takadiwa are among the local artists who have previously exhibited at the Venice Biennale.
The artists say Government support has enabled them to develop and expand their creative work.
Zimbabwe has participated in the Venice Biennale since 2011, with this year’s exhibition running until November.
