FROM the moment art meets diplomacy, a bridge of colour, conversation and shared humanity emerges — an essence vividly captured in the European Union (EU)’s newly unveiled 2026 Creative Calendar celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural mosaic.
At a refined yet warmly intimate gathering hosted by the Picture Frame Gallery in Harare on Tuesday, EU ambassador-designate Katrin Hagemann introduced the calendar to members of the diplomatic community, using the occasion to illuminate the bloc’s deep commitment to creative partnerships.
With grace and clarity, she explained that the calendar is more than a functional object; it is a symbolic tapestry uniting Zimbabwean and European sensibilities, weaving imagery, meaning and imagination into a journey through the coming year.
“This project is about partnerships between the EU and Zimbabwe, and between our delegation, Zimbabwean artists and curators,” she remarked, acknowledging the four artists whose talents shaped the project under the curatorial guidance of Bepa Gallery: Prudence Chimutuwah, Franklyn Dzingai, Lomedy Mhako and Simba Maengera.
Each artist responded to the artistic brief with distinct ingenuity, producing works that echo the evolving and cordial relationship between the EU and Zimbabwe.
Dzingai contributed evocative pieces such as Untitled, Seated Girl and Sarudzai, each offering a contemplative narrative of identity and daily experience.
Keep Reading
- CCC urged to push for dialogue over reforms
- A peep into Matenganyika’s artistic closets
- The Bioskop Short Film Competition is back
- Mangwe farmers benefit from agric projects
Chimutuwah’s Illuminated Origins, Between Worlds, and Echoes of Great Zimbabwe infused the collection with luminous symbolism and historical resonance.
Mhako’s Blanket 2 and Together introduced themes of unity and collective resilience, while Maengera’sTapestry of the Two Worlds, Friedensengel and A Handshake of Culture visually celebrated intercultural exchange.
Speaking briefly to the Press, Hagemann expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity, emphasising how its artistic expressions reveal a nation of imagination, memory and creativity.
She noted that her previous diplomatic mission in Kenya strengthened her appreciation for African cultural dynamism and affirmed her intention to embrace Zimbabwean values shaped by Ubuntu.
With enthusiasm, she highlighted her desire to learn local languages, prioritising Shona and IsiNdebele as gateways to deeper engagement.
Hagemann takes over from Jobst von Kirchmann, whose tenure strengthened EU-Zimbabwe relations through advocacy for gender equality, cultural understanding, climate action and industrial development.
Building on this foundation, she envisions cultural collaboration as a powerful diplomatic tool — one that humanises policy, nurtures mutual respect and widens channels for meaningful dialogue.
Ultimately, the EU’s 2026 Creative Calendar stands as a vivid testament to shared artistry and purpose.
It affirms that cultural diversity is not merely observed but embraced, celebrated and woven into the EU’s evolving relationship with Zimbabwe.
Through art, the EU renews its appreciation for the stories, symbols and voices that define Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape ensuring they continue to inspire connections across continents.
Such initiatives reaffirm the EU’s belief that cultural dialogue strengthens diplomatic ties and fosters enduring goodwill.
As Zimbabwean creativity continues to captivate global audiences, the EU stands ready to deepen co-operation, support artistic innovation, and celebrate the shared values that unite diverse peoples.
In this spirit, the 2026 Calendar becomes not just a cultural artefact, but a heartfelt tribute to unity in diversity
today.