By Otillia Makomo
Zimbabwe is set to once again showcase its vibrant contemporary art on the global stage after confirming participation in the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious international art exhibitions. The 61st edition of the renowned event will run from May 7 to November 22, 2026, in Venice, Italy, marking Zimbabwe’s eighth consecutive participation at the global showcase.
The country’s pavilion, organised by the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, will feature five prominent artists — Gideon Gono, Eva Raath, Felix Shumba, Franklyn Dzingai, and Pardon Mapondera — whose works will be presented under the theme “Second Nature/Manyonga.”
Speaking on the country’s participation, Acting Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire said Zimbabwe’s continued presence at the international event demonstrates the nation’s commitment to promoting cultural sovereignty and expanding the visibility of Zimbabwean artistic production globally.
“This participation underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to cultural sovereignty and the visibility of artistic production on the global stage,” he said.
Through the exhibition, Zimbabwe aims to assert its intellectual and cultural agency while promoting the country’s growing creative economy and strengthening cultural tourism.
The theme “Second Nature/Manyonga” invites audiences to explore art as a space for perceptual reconfiguration, reframing artistic media as both material and conceptual expression while opening new philosophical possibilities for contemporary and new media practice.
Zimbabwe’s participation also aligns with broader national priorities aimed at promoting economic diversification through the creative and cultural industries, while reinforcing the role of art in shaping national identity and global cultural dialogue.
