The city of Harare and Munich in Germany have teamed up for a special two-day art exhibition called "Bicycle Instead of Car", an innovative project that will showcase creations by seven Zimbabwean artistes in the city's centre.
The exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday, in the capital with CaliGraph, Gerald Bakasa, Thandiwe Gula-Ndebele, Sandra Ndoro, Crystal Beseni, Maxwell Chembedzi, Ngaatendwe Mapako as Participating Artists, and curated by Markus Heinsdorff from Munich and Zimbabwe's own CaliGraph.
According to the organisers, the event –a first-of-its-kind in Harare's Central Business District– has been timed perfectly for World Bicycle Day on June 1 and aims to raise awareness about climate change as well as encourage residents to embrace cycling as a healthy and sustainable urban transport alternative.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
The "Bicycle Instead of Car" exhibition aims to spark conversations about the environmental impact of car usage and encourage residents to consider cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation. The City of Harare is actively seeking to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and this exhibition represents a creative approach to achieving these goals.
A Collaboration Built on Friendship
Harare and Munich have enjoyed a strong partnership for over 25 years as twin cities. This project exemplifies the collaborative spirit between the two municipalities. Artist Markus Heinsdorff from Munich is co-curating the exhibition alongside Zimbabwean artist CaliGraph. Together, they have assembled a team of talented Zimbabwean artists, including Gerald Bakasa, Thandiwe Gula-Ndebele, Sandra Ndoro, Crystal Beseni, Maxwell Chembedzi, and Ngaatendwe Mapako.
Reaching Every Corner of the Community
The exhibition's strategic location next to Copacabana (bus rank) guarantees maximum visibility and engagement with the commuting public. Organisers believe art serves as a powerful tool for communication due to its accessibility, universality, and ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The artists will utilise a variety of abstract art media to deliver a message that transcends language barriers and cultural differences.
Art for a Greener Future
The "Bicycle Instead of Car" exhibition aspires to inspire positive action towards a more sustainable future. By placing art at the forefront of climate change discussions, the City of Harare hopes to encourage residents to embrace cycling and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.