STAKEHOLDERS in the Zimbabwe creative sector have collectively announced that the country’s arts scene is ready to take centre stage with ambitious plans and revitalised energy.
From pioneering cultural advocacy to nurturing the next wave of artistic talent, Zimbabwe’s arts organisations are setting the tone for an electrifying year ahead.
Arterial Network, Nhaka Gallery, Barikira Creative Futures and other key players have announced strategies that promise to propel the creative industry to new heights, making 2026 a year of bold moves and transformative change.
Stephanie Kapfunde: Arterial Network: Steering cultural progress
Arterial Network Zimbabwe has long been a driving force in connecting cultural practitioners across the continent.
The organisation’s 2026 agenda is a continuation of its mission to foster a thriving creative economy.
In a dynamic partnership with the African Union and Africa No Filter, Arterial Network recently launched the Restitution Tracker, an important resource for cultural heritage restitution.
In the coming year, Arterial Network’s National Steering Committee aims to focus on key areas such as research and knowledge-building around the creative economy, expanding grassroots cultural initiatives and pushing for stronger policy engagement.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
These efforts will include exploring AI ethics in culture and intellectual property considerations and issues that are becoming increasingly relevant in a digitally connected world.
Arterial Network’s focus on women’s leadership in arts and culture will remain a cornerstone of its work, with programmes designed to elevate young women in arts administration.
These initiatives will serve as a platform for future leaders to take the reins of Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
Nhaka Gallery: Empowering a bold new generation
Nhaka Gallery is already making waves with its upcoming 2026 Young Artist Exhibition.
The theme, BOLDNESS: Cultivating Creativity, Shaping Legacies, invites young Zimbabwean artists to submit innovative works that challenge norms and push boundaries.
With a deadline of tomorrow, this exhibition will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of Zimbabwean artists, helping them to cement their place in the rich tapestry of the nation’s art legacy.
Florence Mukanga Majachani, the founder and director of Barikira Creative Futures
Majachani said the organisation would launch cultural and creative industries marketing platforms aimed at unlocking regional and international markets for Zimbabwean cultural and creative industries through its web of continental and international networks.
Barikira Creative Futures has taken the bold step to position Zimbabwe on the international creative map.
Having supported the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) platform in Algeria, it is now reflecting on the lessons learned from this high-profile event.
In 2025, CANEX facilitated vital conversations on business, investment and collaboration across Africa’s creative industries.
Lexy Murewa: Chitungwiza Publicity Association: Bridging art and commerce
The Chitungwiza Publicity Association’s Animal Art Exhibition, scheduled for January 29-31, will showcase Zimbabwean artists’ interpretation of wildlife.
The exhibition offers both artistic expression and commercial opportunity, with a unique US$1 reward for each submission.
By focusing on themes of nature and conservation, the exhibition invites a diverse range of artistic talents, promoting Zimbabwe’s position in the global art market while highlighting environmental concerns through creativity.
Creative DNA Zim: A new era of fashion
The Creative DNA Zimbabwe programme, whose applications close on January 22, 2026, is set to provide invaluable support to Zimbabwean fashion creatives.
This initiative encourages local talent to harness their unique cultural heritage and contribute to the global fashion landscape.
Fashion has long been an underutilised sector in Zimbabwe’s creative industries and this programme seeks to fill that gap, bringing fresh and bold fashion ideas to the international stage.
