In a significant boost for Zimbabwean visual artists aspiring for international recognition, Harare is set to host the inaugural Cheuka Art Fair (CHAF25) from February 27 to March 1, 2025, at the Andy Miller Hall, Harare Exhibition Park. This landmark event, curated by Laura Ganda, is the brainchild of renowned Zimbabwean artists Wallen Mapondera, Admire Kamudzengerere, and Merilyn Mushakwe. It will feature an impressive lineup of local talent, including Gareth Nyandoro, Mostaff Muchawaya, Kressiar Mukwazhi, Gideon Gomo, Victor Nyakauru, and Nothando Chiwanga, who will also engage in group discussions.
As Zimbabwe’s first art fair, CHAF25 aims to connect local galleries, artists, and international collectors in a vibrant marketplace for buying, selling, and showcasing a diverse range of artworks. Wallen Mapondera emphasized the transformative impact of this event: “I have been a practicing visual artist for the past 10 years, and I have noticed that Zimbabwean artists are celebrated more abroad. It is crucial that we establish an art fair at home to elevate our own artistic scene.” He further highlighted that the event will feature selected galleries and emerging artists, particularly those mentored by established creatives such as Gareth Nyandoro.
Admire Kamudzengerere, one of the co-founders, expressed optimism about CHAF25’s role in placing emerging Zimbabwean artists on the global stage. “I have exhibited my works outside Zimbabwe, and art fairs are crucial in this industry. South Africa has three major art fairs—the Investec Cape Art Fair, the Standard Bank Art Fair, and the Joburg Art Fair, funded by FNB. Many Zimbabwean artists showcasing at these fairs work with South African galleries. With CHAF25, we are creating an opportunity for international exposure at home. This fair is set to attract visitors from around the world, boosting not only the art sector but also tourism.”
Beyond providing a platform for artists to exhibit their work, CHAF25 is expected to contribute to the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage while fostering creative expression and socio-economic development. Given the increasing global demand for Zimbabwean art, the fair presents a significant opportunity for local artists to make substantial sales. Additionally, it will encourage networking among key stakeholders, including gallery owners, mentors, and curators, to create long-term collaborations that will benefit Zimbabwe’s visual arts industry.
Cheuka is a Shona word that signifies the act of noticing and observing both tangible and intangible aspects of one’s surroundings. The Cheuka Harare Art Fair (CHAF) aims to become a premier cultural event in Zimbabwe, celebrating contemporary Zimbabwean art and showcasing some of Africa’s most distinguished modern and contemporary visual artists in their homeland. It is envisioned as an annual event that will elevate Zimbabwe’s art scene to an international level.
The fair is a collaborative effort between the Post Studio Arts Collective (PSAC), the African Born Art Movement (ABAM), and The Mapondera Collection. These organizations are pooling resources, expertise, and energy to ensure the success of this initiative.
Event Details: Location: Andy Miller Hall, Harare Show Grounds, Cnr Samora Machel Ave & Rekai Tangwena Rd, Harare Date: February 27 – March 1, 2025
As the inaugural edition of this ambitious project, CHAF25 is poised to make a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s art landscape. With support from corporate and civic players, the fair is expected to attract top collectors, curators, and art lovers. More importantly, it will provide an invaluable space for Zimbabwean artists to showcase their talent and contribute to the country’s growing reputation as a hub for contemporary African art.
“The artist is a voice shouting out to be heard, and art becomes a mirror. It shows us to ourselves as we truly are and urges us to grow beyond that reflection…” — Dambudzo Marechera
