Description & Background
Registered under the laws of Zimbabwe in 2009, Village Unhu is an artist-led project space, collective, and studio platform founded by contemporary artists Misheck Masamvu and Georgina Maxim. Beginning initially as a single studio space, the organization has grown into an active cultural project operating across two physical locations in Zimbabwe: Harare (1 Rowland Square, Milton Park) and Mutare (at the old Drifters Backpackers Lodge, Mount Wolseley). The project space plays an active role in driving the vitality, international collaboration, and long-term sustainability of Zimbabwean contemporary visual art.
Organization Objectives
Village Unhu aims to provide a critically engaged, curatorial-focused environment that offers strong support frameworks for both artists and public audiences. Operating on a core philosophy centered on “saving a way of life and about saving lives,” the collective seeks to offer an open platform for experimentation, the opportunity to sharpen critical and professional skills, and support for all forms of art practice for artists of all ages and stages. The organization works to respond to a dynamic arts environment, expand public attendance at galleries and arts events, and foster increased private sector support alongside growing international recognition.
Programs / Opportunities
- Studio Platforms: Providing physical studio environments for artists across two locations in Harare and Mutare.
- Exhibition & Curatorial Frameworks: Offering curatorial-focused platforms and frameworks to showcase artworks across mediums including paintings, drawings, graphics, multi-media 3D found objects, photographs, and stone sculptures.
- Platforms for Experimentation & Skill Sharpening: Providing spaces and opportunities for artists to experiment and sharpen their critical and professional skills.
- Arts Events & Galleries: Hosting gallery showcases and public arts events designed to increase visitor engagement and private sector support.
Target Community
- Artists & Practitioners: Artists of all ages and stages of their career working in all forms of art practice, including painting, drawing, graphics, 3D found objects, photography, and stone sculpture.
