by Emmanuel KaNdlovu
The National Gallery in Bulawayo (NGB) will on Monday the 30th of November hold a ceremonious gathering for invited guests in the grand re-opening of the institution following a COVID-19 induced hiatus.
Butholezwe Nyathi, the NGB’s Regional Director, revealed the plans for the day.
“This will be an event to welcome the public back to enjoy the services offered by the Gallery. Our guests will be treated to drumming and poetry sessions that will be coupled with interactive art drawing where a canvas is going to be set out for them to try out a hand in art,” Nyathi said.
Nyathi also shared there are plans for a mini concert scheduled for the same day.
He said, “Since this is still a work in progress, details about this will be made available at a later stage once everything is finalised.”
Once officially re-opened, the POWERPLAY digital exhibition will get the ball rolling on exhibitions as it is set to open on the 3rd of December. This group exhibition that features artists working within digital media, moving image and technology is co-commissioned by London based arebyte Gallery and the NGB with support from the New Art New Audiences grant from the British Council. It opened at the arebyte Gallery in August and is finally travelling to the NGB.
To attract new faces, the NGB is running a competition where the first five first timers to visit the space after the re-opening will be awarded free membership for the year 2021. More details on this are available on the establishment’s website and social media pages.
In light of the recent upsurge in COVID-19 infections, particularly in the city, Nyathi ascertained all standard procedures will be followed to ensure the safety of the staff and patrons as the institution resumes its operations.
“As the Gallery, we will do our best to adhere to the set protocols. We have procured sanitisers and we will be installing protective shields at the reception and other areas. We will also be limiting the number of people that gather at the same time while putting great emphasis on the wearing of masks at all times.”
In a recent statement, the art institution revealed it had shut down during the Covid-19 induced lockdown which left its doors closed to the public up to date.
“However, for the first time in over eight months, the public will be allowed into the Douslin house,” the statement reads.