NGZ calls artists to celebrate voices of women

Audrey Galawu

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is set to host the annual 2023 Women’s Exhibition running under the theme “Embrace Equity” which is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day.

NGZ is calling on all women artists’ network members and non-members, to submit work celebrating the voices of women artists.

The exhibition was developed and organised by NGZ deputy director and curator Fadzai Muchemwa.

Speaking to Zim Now, National Gallery of Zimbabwe president Raphael Chikukwa said the theme was adopted for this year’s exhibition to recognise female artists and give women opportunity for success.

“It is important to give a voice to women so that they can continue to be seen and appreciated for their contribution in the industry.

“The exhibition is meant to amplify and elevate the visibility of female artist and it is also a platform where we can be able to recognise new upcoming artists,” said Chikukwa.

NGZ regional director Silenkosi Moyo has also urged women to take up opportunities availed to them. She was speaking in relation to the current 7th Artist in Residency in Bulawayo in which has seen women only stake three spots at table out of the 14 spaces availed.

“We are intentionally programming and are on a mission to really fish out female artists in their different spaces but they hide and run away. We urge women to join in and we have even canvassed educational institutions in search of female artists. There is a quota for female artists and we urge them to take up that space,” said Moyo.

Artists are encouraged to create work that best covers the thematic guidelines and present the final work that is ready before, or on Friday 3 March 2023, at 4:30 pm.

Submission of artwork is free.

Any works submitted after the specified deadline will not be accepted.

Last year the Women's Exhibition was held under the theme Break The Bias.

Interested artists should send a biography, CV and artist statement to exhibitions@nationalgallery.co.zw.