The National Gallery of Zimbabwe established on the 12th of July 1957, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017. The gallery has played a big role in the rise of Zimbabwean artists, both locally and abroad. The first National Gallery Director was Frank McEwen who was appointed during 1957 pre independence era. The national gallery of Zimbabwe helped nurture most upcoming artists and has given a platform to most captivating exhibitions raising our Zimbabwean flag up high.
The institution still stands, as a preserve of African cultural heritage. Considering that not many Zimbabweans to bother to sacrifice their time in understanding what really happens in this art space it is quite a milestone that the Gallery has managed to keep it open and fully functional. To celebrate the Galleries Diamond Jubilee, they have lined up a number of activities throughout the course of the year, in the form of exhibitions and parties, as opposed to just having one major event. Some of the events include hosting a Fun Day and hosting the second International Congress of African Cultures, with the last one having been held in 1962, amongst other events.
To celebrate their contribution to our society over the past 60 years here are 6 facts about the National Gallery of Zimbabwe that you may or may not know;
1. The original National Gallery of Rhodesia was designed and directed by Frank McEwen, a British citizen credited with bringing Shona Sculpture to the spotlight.
2. The Gallery was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 16 July 1957 and Queen Elizabeth II attended the sixth Zimbabwe Heritage Exhibition there in October 1991.
3. The next curator was Roy Guthrie(after McEwen), who founded the Chapungu Sculpture Park in 1970
4. Its current (2017) Executive Director is Doreen Sibanda, with curator Raphael Chikukwa.(The well-known Zimbabwean sculptor Dominic Benhura is a member of the Board of Trustees)
5. The Gallery houses The Sanctuary, a cafe which has the view of a sculpture park.
6. Entrance is currently free to all each and every Friday.
