Zambia's Artist-Run Spaces Forge Collaborative Networks to Sustain Creative Talent
Artist-led projects play a crucial role in the art landscape of Zambia. Everyday Lusaka, established by Sana Ginwalla in 2024, originated from an Instagram initiative launched in 2018 and is dedicated to photography. It recently featured the exhibition 'Mwaiseni Mukwai' by Maingaila Muvundika, who delves into memory through personal archives and linocut printmaking. Previously, Everyday Lusaka displayed Alick Phiri's street photography, which was later featured at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London. Founded in 2014 by Anawana Haloba and Victor Mutelekesha, the Livingstone Office for Contemporary Art (LoCA) partners with cultural institutions and manages incubators. Opened in 2023, the Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC) provides residencies and honors Martin Abasi Phiri. Collaborative networks are vital for nurturing Zambia's artistic talent amidst economic difficulties.
Key facts
- Everyday Lusaka gallery founded in 2024 by curator Sana Ginwalla from a 2018 Instagram initiative.
- Maingaila Muvundika's exhibition 'Mwaiseni Mukwai' uses linocut printmaking and archives including the Cambridge University Royal Commonwealth Society collection.
- Livingstone Office for Contemporary Art (LoCA) founded in 2014 by Anawana Haloba and Victor Mutelekesha in Livingstone, Zambia.
- LoCA's Sonic Solidarities incubator held in August 2025 ahead of the Mosi Oa Tunya Perennial in September 2026.
- Art Academy Without Walls operated in Lusaka from 1996 to 2006, managed by VAC and the National Art Academy in Oslo.
- Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC) founded in 1987 by Martin Abasi Phiri, Agness Yombwe, and William Miko.
- Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC) opened in 2023, offering residencies for international artists like Max Diallo Jakobsen.
- Collaborative networks and artist-run spaces are vital for sustaining Zambia's art scene amid economic challenges.
Entities
Artists
- Maingaila Muvundika
- Sana Ginwalla
- Alick Phiri
- Sein
- David 'Daut' Makala
- Anawana Haloba
- Victor Mutelekesha
- Gabi Ngcobo
- Milumbe Haimbe
- Agness Yombwe
- Lawrence Yombwe
- Lineo Segoete
- Chansa Chishimba
- Sello Majara
- Em'kal Eyongakpa Mbi
- David Chirwa (Bar'Uchi)
- Michael O'Donnell
- Germain Ngoma
- Martin Abasi Phiri
- William Miko
- Max Diallo Jakobsen
- Hanna Sjöstrand
- Lifang Zhang
Institutions
- Everyday Lusaka
- Studio225
- Livingstone Office for Contemporary Art (LoCA)
- Wayi Wayi Studio
- Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC)
- National Gallery
- National Museum
- Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC)
- Art Academy Without Walls
- National Art Academy in Oslo
- Cambridge University Royal Commonwealth Society
- Centre of African Studies
- Zambia Belonging
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
- Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts
- Oslo National Academy of the Arts
Locations
- Lusaka
- Zambia
- Livingstone
- London
- United Kingdom
- Chilenje
- Victoria Falls
- Oslo
- Norway
- South West Lusaka
- Twin Rivers Kopje
- Guinea
- Sweden
- Southern Africa