By Evans Dakwa
Fresh from exhibiting at the National Disability Expo held in Victoria Falls, Albinism Alive Initiative is set to hold a two-day visual art exhibition for persons with disabilities in Harare at the end of this month.
The two-day event, scheduled for August 28th and 29th, is supported by the Culture Fund with funding from the European Union. At least 20 talented exhibitors will have a chance to showcase their art wares and learn from the carefully curated exhibition program, whose thrust is on empowering the artists.
Titled “Before Our Home Goes Down,” the name itself reflects the urgent need and importance of addressing issues surrounding disability and the visual art environment, where some talented artists are struggling to grow and commercialize their art, often to the brink of quitting.
Albinism Alive Initiative Director, Gwenlisa Mushonga, highlighted that “Before Our Home Goes Down” is a space and platform to give hope to and showcase the richness and depth of talent within the disability community, ensuring that a variety of voices and experiences are represented.
“The ‘Before Our Home Goes Down’ exhibition is not just an event; it is a movement toward greater inclusivity and understanding,” she said.
“By bringing together artists with disabilities and the broader community, we aim to challenge existing narratives and create a dialogue that fosters change,”adds Mushonga.
“It is crucial to recognize that art has the power to transcend barriers and communicate complex emotions and experiences. This exhibition will highlight the resilience and creativity of artists with disabilities, showcasing how they navigate their worlds and express their identities through art.”
The key objectives of the exhibition include raising awareness about the lived realities of artists with disabilities, showcasing the artistic talent within this group, fostering community engagement through discussion and dialogue, and promoting advocacy for greater inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Mushonga also said that artists showcasing their work will extract value for growth through a supportive environment, visibility of their work to potential buyers, and a masterclass on marketing and monetization of their work that will be offered at the exhibition.
She also urged visitors to approach the exhibition with an open mind and heart, ready to engage with the stories and perspectives presented.
