Zimbabwe’s contemporary art sector is set for another major showcase as organisers prepare to launch the 2026 edition of the Cheuka Harare Art Fair (CHAF), building on the success of its acclaimed inaugural event that earned national recognition and drew praise from artists and collectors alike.
The second edition of the fair is expected to continue its mission of creating a dedicated platform for contemporary visual art in Zimbabwe, while strengthening opportunities for emerging artists, artist-run spaces, galleries and collectors.
The announcement comes after the inaugural Cheuka Harare Art Fair, held at Andy Millar Hall at the Harare Showgrounds from 27 February to 1 March 2025, marked a significant milestone for Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
The event was widely regarded as the country’s first dedicated contemporary art fair of its kind, bringing together a diverse range of artists and audiences under one roof.
Reflecting on Zimbabwean Art
The fair derives its name from the Shona word cheuka, meaning “to reflect”, “look back” or “reconsider”.
Organisers say the concept encourages audiences to examine Zimbabwe’s artistic journey, celebrate its present achievements and imagine its future possibilities.
“The fair’s name is rooted in the Shona word ‘cheuka’, meaning to reflect, look back, or reconsider — an invitation to pause and examine where Zimbabwean art has come from, appreciate where it stands today, and dream boldly about its future,” organisers said.
A key focus of the event remains the presentation of creative work produced through Artist Run Spaces, which have increasingly become important incubators for emerging talent across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent.
Building on an Award-Winning Foundation
The inaugural edition received widespread praise from industry stakeholders and was recognised at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama), where it won the award for Best Exhibition.
Visitors and critics commended the fair’s carefully curated exhibition spaces, the quality of the artworks on display and its professional presentation.
One reviewer drew comparisons with South Africa’s established FNB Art Joburg, describing CHAF as a showcase of “Zimbabwean hope and creativity” that prioritised quality over scale.
The recognition has heightened expectations for the forthcoming edition, with many within the local arts community anticipating a larger and more ambitious event.
Organisers say the fair remains committed to expanding its reach while maintaining a strong focus on artistic excellence and meaningful engagement with contemporary issues.
Growing International Interest in Zimbabwean Art
The return of CHAF comes at a time when Zimbabwean artists continue to gain international attention.
In recent years, artists from Zimbabwe have featured prominently in major exhibitions, biennales and gallery shows across Africa, Europe and North America. Their work often explores themes such as identity, migration, memory, urbanisation, environmental change and cultural heritage.
Zimbabwe has long produced internationally recognised artists, from the pioneers of stone sculpture to a new generation of contemporary painters, photographers, installation artists and multidisciplinary creators whose works are finding audiences beyond the country’s borders.
However, despite growing international recognition, the local art market remains relatively small, making platforms such as CHAF important for fostering collector networks, supporting artist livelihoods and stimulating investment in the creative economy.
Industry observers note that dedicated art fairs can play a significant role in strengthening cultural ecosystems by creating direct connections between artists, galleries, buyers and institutions.
Supporting Zimbabwe’s Creative Economy
Organisers describe the fair as a vital platform for celebrating creativity while contributing to economic growth within the arts sector.
The initiative aims to showcase the best of emerging contemporary Zimbabwean art alongside works by some of Africa’s most respected modern artists, offering local audiences access to a broad spectrum of artistic expression.
As preparations for the 2026 edition gather momentum, many within the sector view the fair as evidence of the growing confidence and maturity of Zimbabwe’s visual arts industry.
With its award-winning debut now behind it, Cheuka Harare Art Fair faces the challenge of building on that success while continuing to position Harare as an important destination on Africa’s contemporary art calendar.
For artists, collectors and art enthusiasts, the next chapter of CHAF could offer another opportunity to reflect on Zimbabwe’s artistic journey — and to imagine where it might go next.
