First Floor Gallery Harare (FFGH), one of Zimbabwe’s leading contemporary art spaces, has announced an ambitious 2026 Art Programme, marking its 16th year at the forefront of the country’s visual arts sector.
The gallery’s new schedule brings together a strong line-up of solo exhibitions, international market engagement and community-driven initiatives, reinforcing its reputation as a platform for both established and emerging artists.
A central feature of the 2026 programme is a series of new solo exhibitions by some of the gallery’s most celebrated artists.
These include Grace Nyahangare, Helen Teede, Wycliffe Mundopa, Troy Makaza and Anne Zanele Mutema.
The programme will also feature special projects by Ishe Dondo and Rodney Badza, expanding the gallery’s curatorial scope and creative dialogue.
In line with its long-standing commitment to nurturing new talent, FFGH has named promising young artist Tadiwa Mafuta as its first Artist-in-Residence for 2026.
The residency programme remains a cornerstone of the gallery’s mission, focused on identifying, mentoring and developing the next generation of Zimbabwean contemporary artists.
On the international stage, First Floor Gallery Harare will return to the global art fair circuit in February, beginning with its 11th appearance at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.
The gallery will present a broad selection of works in the Main Section, showcasing the depth of its programme.
It will also take part in the fair’s Generations Section with a special dialogue project between Shamilla Aasha and Amanda Shingirai Mushate, curated by Tandazani Dlakhama.
The Generations project forms part of a broader strategy aimed at highlighting women artists and recognising women as key contributors to the growth of the art sector. As part of this focus, FFGH will host a Women’s High Tea on International Women’s Day, creating space for conversation and reflection on the role of women in the arts.
Looking ahead to the local market in 2026, the gallery plans to deepen collaborations with corporates and private developers in Zimbabwe.
Gallery director Valerie Kabov said the aim is to integrate local art and design into everyday spaces.
“We are actively working to integrate Zimbabwean art and design into the fabric of our built environment,” she said.
“This not only celebrates Zimbabwean culture in everyday spaces but also creates vital, sustainable opportunities for local creatives.”
Gallery manager Rodney Badza described FFGH’s approach as a balance between artistic development and market engagement.
“Our model has always been dual-focused: rigorous artist development and proactive market engagement. One fuels the other,” Badza said.
“This social enterprise ethos is what allows us to consistently invest in our artists’ careers and contribute to the cultural economy.”
About First Floor Gallery Harare
Founded in 2009, First Floor Gallery Harare (FFGH) is Zimbabwe’s first independent contemporary art gallery and a pivotal force in the country’s modern visual arts landscape.
Based in the capital, the gallery has built a reputation for championing bold, concept-driven work by Zimbabwean and African artists and for creating pathways to regional and international exposure.
Operating as a social enterprise, First Floor Gallery Harare combines rigorous artist development with proactive market engagement. It provides structured mentorship, residencies and curatorial support to help artists build sustainable careers at home and abroad.
Many of the gallery’s artists have since exhibited at prominent international fairs, biennales and museums.
Beyond exhibitions, FFGH is committed to cultural education, dialogue and advocacy. Through talks, workshops and community-focused events, the gallery nurtures new audiences for contemporary art and contributes meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s cultural economy.
In 2020, the gallery expanded its footprint with the opening of a second space in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing city and a major international tourism hub.
The move was aimed at broadening the gallery’s programme and audience reach, while also supporting the development of emerging artists within the local creative community.
