Regional integration remains a critical component in unlocking opportunities that foster stronger diplomatic and cultural ties, Fisani Community Action (FiCA) founder and principal curator Fisani Nkomo has said.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 edition of Black The New Green last Friday at the Bulawayo National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Nkomo said artists have a key role to play in promoting unity, collaboration and research through creative expression.
Held under the theme, “Black The New Green: Exploring Traditional Knowledge, Cultural Taboos and Contemporary Conservation Practices,” the initiative seeks to use art as a platform for environmental awareness and regional cooperation.
“As artists, we are using art as a frontier for unity, collaboration and extensive research,” Nkomo said.
“We are all learning from what is happening around us. The spirit of togetherness has to be our core business, while art is what we do best. We need to cultivate a spirit of oneness.”
Nkomo said the 2026 edition represents a collaborative engagement between Zimbabwe and Zambia, aimed at strengthening cultural exchange and building on previous experiences.
“Talking about the 2026 edition, it is merely an affair between Zimbabwe and Zambia, hoping to share notes, build on past experiences and move into the future with strong prospects of inviting more artists from other countries within our region,” he said.
The environmentally themed exhibition will run from June 19 to August 19, 2026, at the Bulawayo National Gallery of Zimbabwe and the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe, among other venues yet to be announced.
Participating artists from Zambia are Agnes Yombwe, Gankhani Moyo, Banji Chona and Serah Chule, while Zimbabwe will be represented by Danisile Ncube, Dumisani Ndhlovu, Fisani Nkomo, Fungai Marima, Maves Ndhlovu, Nomvuyiso Mabi, Nothando Chiwanga, Owen Maseko and Victor Nyakauru.
The exhibition is expected to provide a platform for dialogue on indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices and contemporary approaches to environmental conservation through art.