Curatorial & Exhibitions

The Gallery's exhibitions in keeping with the national concern for 'local content' in all of the arts reflects the art of Zimbabwe's strong relationship with society and social issues. Sensitive to a country compassionately concerned with social problems the Gallery works with a number of collaborating partners, organizations committed to social welfare and benefit, to show works of art, which strengthen the relationship between art and society. 2004 has seen fruitful collaborations with UNICEF,The United Nations Information Centre and the Ministry of Defense.

Both the Curator and the Director are recognized both in Zimbabwe and outside in their individual capacities as people who have contributed significantly to the development of the art of Zimbabwe. Both have the capabilities and connections to organize such events as a Southern African Biennale, which is programmed for 2006, its precursor being the Zimbabwe Biennale which will be held in 2004.

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is aware of the way that the nature and role of National Galleries the world over is changing, so that they are equipped to meet the growing 'internationalisation' of the art world. As much as National Galleries today have holdings of the best traditions of art of their countries, they also host international Biennales, cutting edge shows of what is taking place in art in the most progressive art arenas in the world.

Fortunately the built environment and the actual 'space' of the Gallery is ahead of its time, a flexible open plan space allowing for five concomitant major and substantive exhibitions. Technically and technologically the Gallery is equipped for the showing of film and videos at the same time as exhibitions.

The Curator and Exhibitions Department see the way that an exhibition is 'hung' is crucial to the effectiveness and expository nature. Great care is taken in mounting and hanging exhibitions so that works of art develop contextual relationships and the exhibitions have a rationale, and intellectual framework.

The Curator and Exhibitions Officers spend much time with artists, they see work in progress, they demand explanations of the artists work. The Curator and Exhibitions Officers are acutely aware of the 'spaces' within the Gallery and their suitability for the art shown. The range of services they offer exhibitors are those services which might be offered by a prestigious private gallery: professional documentation and media coverage, professional setting up, procedures for openings arranged, marketing and selling of works of art.