Oxford-Zimbabwe Arts Partnership Launches Landma...

Oxford-Zimbabwe Arts Partnership Launches Landmark Sculpture Competition at Chitungwiza Arts Centre

Moreblessing Cherayi

Zim Now Correspondent

A groundbreaking sculpture competition has been launched at Chitungwiza Arts Centre in collaboration with the Oxford Zimbabwe Arts Partnership (OZAP) to commemorate the resilience of indigenous Zimbabweans against the brutal military campaigns of colonialist Cecil Rhodes.

Supported by Oriel College, Oxford University, the initiative aims to produce a powerful artwork that will serve as a reminder of the struggles and strength of the Ndebele and Shona peoples.

The competition was officially launched on Sunday, January 26, with most CAC sculptors in attendance. CAC Chairman, Mr. Tendai Gwaravaza, set the tone for the project, stating: “The sculpture should symbolize the strength and courage of our ancestors, who despite facing unimaginable hardships, continued to fight for their freedom and dignity.

“It should inspire us to work towards a brighter future, where the people in the world can live in peace, harmony, and prosperity.”

Emeritus Professor of African History at Oxford University, William Beinart, provided further context on the project’s significance: “As a member of the Oriel College Rhodes Commission set up in response to the 2020 Oxford Rhodes Must Fall and Black Lives Matter campaigns, I researched more deeply into the wars carried out by the British South Africa Company and was shocked by the extreme violence committed against the Ndebele and Shona peoples.”

Lord Neil Mendoza, Provost of Oriel College, reinforced Oxford’s commitment to engaging in discussions about colonialism and its legacy: “This wonderful competition and the forthcoming exhibition reinforces our commitment to the continent of Africa and Oriel’s unique responsibility towards facilitating dialogue and debate around colonialism and its legacy.”

More than 100 artists have registered for the competition, with a shortlist of 50 submissions to be announced on Sunday, March 2. These will be displayed at CAC from Monday, March 3, before five finalists are selected.

The final judging will take place on Friday, March 7, by a panel chaired by Lord Mendoza, alongside acclaimed Chitungwiza-based sculptor Norbert Shamuyarira and UK-based Zimbabwean multidisciplinary artist Be Manzini.

An awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 8, at CAC, and the winning sculpture will serve as the centrepiece of an exhibition on Cecil Rhodes’ colonial legacy at Oxford University. The exhibition will open at Oriel College in September 2025, before transferring to the Oxford University Church of St Mary the Virgin until December. Other institutions are expected to host the exhibition in 2026.

The Chitungwiza Arts Centre, founded in 1997, has long been a hub of artistic excellence in Zimbabwe, nurturing generations of sculptors whose work has reached international acclaim.

The centre is renowned for its role in preserving and promoting Zimbabwean stone sculpture, a tradition deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.

Several prominent sculptors have emerged from CAC, leaving a lasting impact on the global art scene. Among them is Dominic Benhura, whose expressive, elongated stone figures are celebrated worldwide.

Another distinguished artist, the late Colleen Madamombe, was known for her powerful depictions of Zimbabwean women in everyday life. Renowned sculptor Tapfuma Gutsa, one of Zimbabwe’s leading contemporary artists, has also been closely associated with the centre, pioneering innovative techniques that blend traditional and modern aesthetics.

The competition presents a new chapter in CAC’s storied history, allowing contemporary sculptors to contribute to an important global conversation while showcasing Zimbabwean artistic talent on an international platform.

As preparations for the competition progress, anticipation is high for what promises to be a defining moment in the intersection of art, history, and social reflection.