Responding to the BAA statement on the 7th Roil awards 2023

The announcement of the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) for its 7th edition has sparked widespread discussion, particularly concerning the lack of nominees in the visual arts category. As a visual artist and art administrator deeply invested in the growth and recognition of the arts in Bulawayo, I felt compelled to explore this issue further. The BAA’s mission to honour outstanding artistic contributions in Bulawayo and the surrounding regions is commendable. However, the absence of visual artists—a key segment of the creative community—raises significant questions about the inclusivity and efficacy of the nomination process.

I am not sure why the visual artists are not participating in or being represented at the BAAs. Unlike other art forms such as music or performance, visual arts encompass diverse disciplines—including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art—each requiring distinct recognition. The broad categorization under "visual arts" may inadvertently marginalize these varied practices. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of clarity regarding the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and the role of institutional support from bodies like the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe NACZ/ NGZ and local artist associations. Addressing these concerns is a critical component to broader participation and ensuring that the visual arts are celebrated alongside other creative disciplines.

Awards hold profound significance in the artistic world. Beyond serving as a mark of excellence, they validate the dedication and hard work of artists. Recognition through awards can elevate an artist’s profile, opening doors to new opportunities and inspiring others within the community. Furthermore, awards ceremonies contribute to a sense of unity and pride, strengthening the local artistic ecosystem.

Businesses that partner with such initiatives also play a crucial role. Their involvement not only provides essential financial and logistical support but also offers them exposure and networking opportunities. This synergy between commerce and creativity can significantly benefit both parties, driving cultural and economic growth in the region.

Recommendations for the BAA

To address the gaps and enhance the representation of visual artists, I propose the following: 

Revise the Visual Arts Category: Consider breaking down the visual arts category into subcategories that reflect the diversity of practices, such as painting, digital art, sculpture, and photography. This would ensure that each discipline receives the recognition it deserves.

Clarify Processes and Criteria: Transparency in the nomination and judging processes is essential. Clearly defined eligibility criteria, communicated well in advance, would encourage more artists to participate.

Engage with Stakeholders: Collaborate with institutions like the NACZ, artist associations, and independent curators who already hold data of visual artists to identify and nominate deserving candidates. Stakeholder involvement can enhance credibility and inclusivity.

Promote Participation: Actively reach out to the visual arts community through workshops, information sessions, and social media campaigns. Building awareness and trust is crucial to increasing engagement.

Develop Networking Opportunities: Beyond the awards ceremony, create spaces for artists to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. This could include panel discussions, exhibitions, and post-award networking sessions.

Conclusion: The absence of visual artists at the 7th Roil Awards highlights the need for introspection and dialogue. By addressing the structural and procedural gaps, the BAA can become a truly inclusive platform that celebrates the full spectrum of artistic talent in Bulawayo. As an independent curator and art critic, I believe that constructive discussions and collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful improvements in the awards process, ultimately benefiting the entire artistic community.

It is my hope that these insights will contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for visual artists in Bulawayo, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and celebrated alongside their peers in other creative disciplines.

Cliford Zulu Independent Curator and Art Administrator, Bulawayo

Ish "The Artist" Marimirofa returns to Bulawayo

Ish Marimirofa is an upcycling artist and craft producer who lives and works in Harare Zimbabwe. Known for his miniature/ assemblage sculptures, that are responding to topical issues affecting Zimbabweans on a daily bases, the versatile artist is showing his mixed media collection of art and crafts. Ish has this lovely technique of using wire as a line on a painted surface and the finish is unique because of its 2D with rich texture, his use of wire extends to sculptures combined with various materials like wood glass and plastic. Ish Returns to Bulawayo to showcase Once-Upon-A-Time: A Nostalgic Feeling an exhibition pushing new narratives and imagining upcycling and assemblage work as futuristic, anthropomorphic miniature forms of art made from wood, wire and plastics. In October 2022, Ish took a bold step in his practice by participating in the Hlanganani/ Sanganai Expo at the Zimbabwe International Trade fair and he walked away with an award affirming his practice in the big stages of Zimbabwean markets. In 2023, Ish "The Artist" is presenting a solo exhibition, and launching his professional career as one of the artists making use of discarded material into aesthetic works of art by repurposing and extending the life of materials creating worthwhile, which will be cared for and admired by many. The exhibition is an ongoing series or works under the Once Upon A Time theme and his understanding of Martials, and a great degree of skill and imagination makes him one of the assemblage artists to lookout for in this country. His Harare home studio/ gallery is a great starting point to understand his thought process which amplifies the Climate Change discourse with an interesting and careful depiction of political social issues in the country.

IMG: Investing into eternity- found objects Art has the power to inspire action. I’m glad to see Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and other business establishments supporting this exhibition which is taking us to a place and time we once was and at the same time damaging action to the issues to do with the environment highlight the problem and open conversations to bring about change. His work is intricate with many artworks pieces assembled to create unique pieces. Ish began exploring art while he was in formal employment with a big retailer in the country, and developed a passion for up-cycling experimenting with various materials with incredible skill that has turned discarded everyday metal items into the most breath-taking sculptures of, people, musical instruments and more. I particularly love his work titled “Investing into eternity”, and “I second the motion” which focused topical political issues that are current in Zimbabwe. Ish says “The last few years have taught me that when it is our time to leave this world no one can stop it. We have one life to live. The material things we invest in are left behind only to be discarded. Memories are important to me. Follow his work on https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_a_time_ish/ Marimirofa’s work is like a sing along song, colourful and eye-catching one can relate to each artwork, hence the exhibition title. A Nostalgic Feeling. the exhibition is showing at the 22 September to 22 October 2023. Cliford Zulu is an independent Curator who works in Bulawayo

In the contemporary landscape of urban living, art has evolved far beyond mere aesthetics; it has become an essential part of communal expression, identity, and societal growth. For cities like Bulawayo, this role is even more critical. However, the lack of robust support for artists and cultural initiatives poses a significant threat to creativity and cultural vitality in the region.

Art serves as a conduit for connection, enabling diverse communities to engage, reflect, and navigate complex social and political issues. Despite its historical significance as a cultural hub, Bulawayo faces challenges that hinder the integration of art into its future vision. Over the past two decades, cultural spaces that once thrived have fallen into disrepair. Public art initiatives and artist-led projects have been sparse, and the absence of consistent municipal support has left creative voices underserved.

While some progress has been made—notably, the renovations at Bulawayo Home Industries and Stanley Hall—questions linger about the sustainability and long-term relevance of these efforts. The establishment of an office for Art, Culture, and Heritage administration is a positive step, yet the city’s artistic community needs a dedicated department with the resources and expertise to nurture the arts comprehensively.

Why Art Matters for Bulawayo

Art is not just a cultural asset; it is also an economic driver. Cities that prioritize art and culture see tangible benefits: increased tourism, thriving local businesses, and enriched community life. Art transforms spaces, making them more vibrant and appealing, and creates opportunities for local talent to flourish. By setting platforms for artistic expression, Bulawayo can elevate its cultural profile nationally and internationally.

Art also acts as a universal language, bridging divides and preserving collective memory. In a city as diverse as Bulawayo, it provides a powerful means to foster inclusivity, understanding, and solidarity. Yet, artists from marginalized communities often face systemic barriers, including limited access to resources and opportunities for civic engagement. These obstacles prevent their representation on broader stages and stifle their ability to contribute meaningfully to the city’s cultural narrative.

The Role of Civic Support

To truly harness the transformative power of art, the city must take an active role in supporting its artists and cultural spaces. This involves:

1. Expand the current Cultural Office to a Department: A department focused on arts and culture would centralize efforts to support artists, organize events, and maintain public art spaces.

2. Providing Financial Support: Grants, sponsorships, and public-private partnerships can fund artist projects and maintain cultural venues.

3. Integrating Artists into Civic Engagement: Involving artists in planning processes, community development projects, and public dialogues can promote inclusivity and innovation.

4. Revitalizing Cultural Spaces: Investing in the restoration and modernization of venues like theatres, galleries, and community halls can create vibrant hubs for artistic activity.

A Call to Action

Bulawayo has the potential to become a beacon of creativity and cultural expression. To achieve this, both the city and its residents must commit to supporting the arts. This includes policymakers prioritizing cultural funding, businesses investing in local artists, and citizens attending exhibitions, performances, and workshops.

Moreover, the city should actively seek to incorporate marginalized voices into the cultural conversation. When artists are empowered to tell their stories and shape public spaces, they contribute to a richer, more inclusive cultural landscape that benefits everyone.

By recognizing the transformative role of art and taking deliberate steps to support its growth, Bulawayo can reclaim its status as a cultural capital. Together, the city and its residents can build a thriving art scene that reflects the spirit, resilience, and creativity of its people. This is not just an opportunity—it is an imperative for the city’s future.

Cliford Zulu is an Independent Curator and Artist working in Bulawayo

Bulawayo Emerging Artist Spotlight: Langelihle Buhle

In April, I had the pleasure of chatting with a dynamic young creative in Bulawayo who is making waves with her groundbreaking project. Langelihle Buhle, a proud multidisciplinary artist from Nketa, “elokishini,” is steadily carving a name for herself in the city’s vibrant art scene. As a fashion designer, author, and visual artist, Buhle embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Her journey began at the tender age of six when a friend introduced her to drawing. That early encouragement blossomed into a lifelong passion for art. By 14, she was exploring various materials under the mentorship of Dumisani Ndlovu, a veteran printmaker and resident artist at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Ndlovu introduced her to painting, and his guidance helped shape her artistic foundation. Though often questioned for her multidisciplinary approach, Buhle found her unique voice by merging her talents. Her work on fabric has become a cornerstone of her practice, bridging her interests in visual arts and fashion design. Her medium of choice includes acrylics and oils on hard-to-absorb fabrics like Ankara and animal skin. These materials, rich in texture, provide an ideal canvas for her experimentation. Buhle draws inspiration from the sun—a fitting muse, as her name, Langelihle, means "Beautiful Sun." The sun's changing shades infuse her work with light, warmth, and vibrancy, evoking powerful emotions. On April 26, 2023, Buhle showcased her artistic versatility with Ignite the Light in You, a creative project that highlighted her diverse talents. This ambitious event, supported by the Alliance Française de Bulawayo, included the launch of her book A Resolute Dynamite, a collection of her latest paintings, and a fashion show. The well-attended event left audiences mesmerized by her multifaceted artistry. Beyond her work, Buhle finds joy in sharing her creations with those who support her journey. She thrives on curiosity, constantly seeking knowledge and embracing growth. Her addiction to multitasking reflects her relentless drive to explore the depths of her creativity. As an architect by profession and a relentless innovator at heart, Langelihle Buhle is a rising star whose light promises to shine far beyond Bulawayo. Her story is one of courage, versatility, and the transformative power of art. Cliford Zulu is an independent Curator working in Bulawayo