Honouring Zimbabwe’s History Through Art: Judges Named for Major Sculpture Competition

The Oxford Zimbabwe Arts Partnership (OZAP) and Chitungwiza Arts Centre (CAC) have confirmed the panel of judges for their prestigious sculpture competition. The initiative, supported by Oriel College, University of Oxford, aims to honour the resilience of indigenous Zimbabweans since the First Chimurenga.

Launched on January 26, 2025, the competition has attracted significant interest, with over 80 sculptors expected to submit their works by the deadline of Thursday, February 27. Shortlisting of five finalists will take place on Friday, February 28, and Monday, March 3, led by a distinguished panel of experts:

Judging Panel for Shortlisting

• Norbert Shamuyarira – Renowned Chitungwiza sculptor with international recognition, including the Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport exhibition Zimbabwe Sculpture: A Tradition in Stone.

• Lorraine Muwuya – Photojournalist, visual arts practitioner, and social entrepreneur known for her work on the Urban Space – Color Speaks initiative.

• Richard Jan Pantlin-Nxumalo – Social entrepreneur, aspiring conceptual artist, and Oxford alumnus with long-standing voluntary engagement in Zimbabwe.

• Taylor Nkomo – Msasa Park sculptor featured at the prestigious Venice Biennale 2024.

• Professor William Beinart – Emeritus Professor of African History, Oxford University, and a member of the Oriel College Commission on the legacy of Cecil Rhodes.

Following the selection of the five finalists, the overall winner and runners-up will be chosen in an online panel discussion on Friday, March 7, by:

Final Judging Panel

• Lord Neil Mendoza – Provost of Oriel College, UK Government Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and Renewal, and Chair of the Judges.

• Elleke Boehmer – Trustee of the Rhodes Trust and leading scholar in colonial and postcolonial studies.

• Be Manzini – Zimbabwean UK-based multi-disciplinary artist, author, TV and radio presenter, and poet.

• Norbert Shamuyarira – Returning as a judge for the final selection.

Awards Ceremony & Exhibition

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday, March 8, held at Chitungwiza Arts Centre from 10 AM CAT (9 AM UK time). The event will be livestreamed on www.facebook.com/OZAPworld.

Speaking about the competition, judge Be Manzini emphasized the power of art in historical storytelling:

“Art has the ability to transcend cultures and time. Giving a voice to what has not been spoken is pivotal in imagining a future where humanity unites in empathy, understanding, and hope. I look forward to seeing the sculptures of the selected finalists.”

A Historic Exhibition in Oxford

The winning sculpture will be the centrepiece of an exhibition at the University of Oxford, prompting visitors to reflect on the long-term impact of Cecil Rhodes’ colonial wars on Zimbabwe’s indigenous people.

The exhibition will open at Oriel College in September 2025, beneath the controversial statue of Cecil Rhodes, before moving to Oxford University Church of St Mary the Virgin until December. Plans are underway for further exhibitions at other institutions in 2026.

Video footage of the sculptors discussing their work is being recorded for a documentary, with local and international media expected at the awards ceremony.

Competition Brief & Impact

The competition challenges sculptors to create a figurative or semi-abstract piece (up to 1m tall) that reflects on the historical suffering and resilience of Zimbabweans from the First Chimurenga to independence.

The project aims to:

• Acknowledge and contextualize Cecil Rhodes’ legacy.

• Educate and spark debate on colonial history within Oxford University and beyond.

• Promote Zimbabwean sculpture, supporting artists in Chitungwiza, Harare, and other regions.

• Strengthen cultural ties between Zimbabwe and the UK through meaningful artistic exchange.

About the Organizers

OZAP (Oxford Zimbabwe Arts Partnership) was founded in 2020 in response to the #RhodesMustFall and Black Lives Matter movements. The initiative uses Zimbabwean art for historical healing and cultural dialogue.

Oriel College, University of Oxford, has a complex history with Cecil Rhodes. His £100,000 bequest helped fund the construction of a prominent building on Oxford High Street, now home to his contested statue.

Chitungwiza Arts Centre, established in 1997, provides training and opportunities to over 250 Zimbabwean sculptors, many of whom have gained international recognition.

This competition marks a significant step in re-examining colonial histories through Zimbabwean art, providing a platform for dialogue, education, and artistic exchange.