The Ambassador of Brazil to Zimbabwe, Mr Vilmar R Coutinho Jr, has pledged support towards renowned visual artist Raphael Jamu’s cultural exchange trip to São Paulo.
Jamu, who is set to travel to Brazil in September, is fundraising for the two-week long trip that will see him participate in cultural activities being facilitated by Instituto ReggArte.
Instituto ReggArte is a collective of artists and professionals that organises social events and cultural campaigns to collect food, clothes and toys to help underprivileged communities.
Jamu was invited in his capacity as Hillock Arts Foundation founder and president, and will be travelling with key executives from his organisation.
Hillock Foundation works with children in underprivileged communities, teaching them different forms of art including theatre, music and visual art.
The cultural exchange programme does not cover travel and accommodation expenses, thus Jamu is set to host an exhibition and art auction to raise funds.
Mr Coutinho Jr said he will expedite Jamu’s visa application and scrap off visa fees.
“As my way of helping I will direct the head of consular services to expedite your visa application as well as scrap off the application fees we normally charge,” he said. “I will also attend the fundraising exhibition with my wife and support in any way I can.
“I’m also willing to help with the difference in the travel expenses from what would have been raised.”
Mr Coutinho Jr pledged to support a similar exchange that will see art and culture from Brazil being exhibited in Zimbabwe.
“We have space at the embassy that can be transformed into a gallery to exhibit different art work, and we are ready to support any exchanges you may have with Brazilian artists and cultural practitioners,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jamu has pushed his fundraising exhibition to August 15 and August 16 at the Iranian Culture Centre in Mt Pleasent.
Themed “Rural Life”, the exhibition will see the artist, celebrated for his gift especially in making portraits, selling his artwork to fund the travel expenses which includes accommodation, airfare and visa.
“I urge art lovers to come in their numbers and support what will be a first of many cultural exchange programs with the people of Brazil,” said Jamu.
“This is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn how others are doing it, how we can improve and engage a different approach in helping communities through arts and culture.
“I’m really thrilled to be part of the cultural exchange, and I hopeful that we will be able to raise funds and make the trip.”
Jamu thanked Mr Coutinho Jr for his support and said; “I’m grateful for the support I’m getting from the Brazilian Embassy, their pledge will go far in making sure we are able to travel to São Paulo.
“I will definitely take the ambassador on his offer to support art exchange between our two countries; this is a huge positive.”
Jamu is famous for making portraits of leading personalities, including President Mnangagwa, the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the late South African revolutionary icon Nelson Mandela, Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Kirsty Coventry and her deputy Tino Machakaire, among many others.
Many of his work is displayed in government offices and private homes.
During his visit to São Paulo, Jamu will present a painting of the Brazilian president.
Herald
