Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ON June 24 in Barcelona, the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) announced a landmark decision, choosing Zimbabwe鈥檚 capital, Harare, as the host city for its Annual Conference in November 2026.
This prestigious event will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ), marking the first time CIMAM has convened on African soil.
Suhanya Raffel, director of Museum M+ in Hong Kong and President of CIMAM, expressed her excitement about the decision, saying, 鈥淔or the first time, our association will be in Africa to hear from our colleagues there about the vital work being done by institutions on this continent. We are thrilled to be working with Raphael Chikukwa and his team on this landmark gathering.鈥
Zimbabwe鈥檚 selection as host city speaks to its growing reputation as a trusted venue for high-level global engagements.
The country has a proven track record of hosting influential international gatherings, including the International Conference on African Cultures (ICAC), Harare International Festival of the Arts and International Images Film Festival for Women.
Raphael Chikukwa, Executive Director of the NGZ, welcomed the decision, saying, 鈥淚t鈥檚 time to bring the world to Zimbabwe. This is a great opportunity for African museum professionals to engage with CIMAM and for global attendees to experience Africa鈥檚 contemporary art scene at firsthand in Zimbabwe.鈥
Since its inception in 1962, the CIMAM Annual Conference has been a leading meeting point for directors and curators of modern and contemporary art museums, alongside independent professionals.
The conference fosters dialogue, innovation, and cross-border collaboration in the museum and cultural sectors.
The 2026 edition in Harare promises to be an exciting event, offering participants access to keynote presentations, round tables, site visits, and opportunities to witness the vibrancy and depth of Zimbabwe鈥檚 contemporary art ecosystem.
This will position the country as a beacon of cultural diplomacy on the African continent.
Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the museums and modern art sphere, with institutions like the NGZ and the Natural History Museums playing a crucial role in promoting local and international art.
The country has also hosted several international conferences and festivals, showcasing its capability and welcoming nature.
This event will not only highlight Zimbabwe鈥檚 artistic talent but also provide a platform for African art professionals to share their experiences and innovations with the global community.
It will foster dialogue, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, ultimately empowering the African art sector.
CIMAM鈥檚 57th Annual Conference this year will take place in Turin, Italy, from November 28 to 30.
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