Lusaka’s art scene is teeming with life. Established and emerging Zambian artists are creating work that excites, provokes and critically engages with various aspects of life in Zambia. These dazzling artworks are housed in equally dynamic art galleries in Lusaka. Visit these 5 art galleries in Lusaka to be transported into the effervescent world of Zambian art, and learn more about the people behind the art.
Everyday Lusaka
What started out as an Instagram account dedicated to showcasing the mundane aspects of everyday life in Lusaka has now evolved into a full-fledged art gallery in Lusaka’s City Centre. While most art galleries tend to be located in exclusive, upmarket neighbourhoods, Everyday Lusaka is housed in the iconic E.W Tarry Building in Lusaka’s CBD. This decision was a conscious choice by Everyday Lusaka’s founder Sana Ginwalla. The opening exhibition’s notes read, “In opening the Everyday Lusaka Gallery in a seemingly inconvenient or un-ideal space, Everyday Lusaka contests the idea of where art would conventionally be encountered in an art Lusaka. Daily, the energy, sounds and people of Lusaka and its streets permeate into the gallery space. This is a space where all kinds of people walking the streets, looking for and selling various items, will stumble upon art.” The gallery is easily spotted with its bright yellow pillars, inviting the curious wanderer to walk in and engage with the art. Check out this lively Lusaka art gallery, and engage with its striking and meaningful art.
Manjarts Community Art Project
Sitting at the corner of an unassuming road in Kalinglinga, lies Manjarts Gallery, a beacon of cultural preservation and creative expression. Similar to the Everyday Lusaka gallery, Manjarts is situated in an area that challenges the notion of locale as it relates to art, and who its intended consumers ought to be. The Manjarts Community Art Project was established by Kelvin Mwanza, a multi-disciplinary artist. The gallery opened its doors in 2020, after Kelvin noticed curiosity from children in the neighbourhood as he created his art. Children would gather around him in groups and watch him in anticipation of his final output. Kelvin was inspired by their inquisitiveness and decided to create a space where they could express themselves. Beautifully woven baskets hang from the ceiling of the gallery, ornate wooden carvings line the walls and colourful fabrics splayed across the gallery are pleasing sights. Visit this quaint art gallery in Lusaka to experience local gems and encounter vivacious grassroots energy.
Zeela Art Gallery
Zeela Art Gallery is both an art gallery and a homestead, which can be reached via a secluded turn-off from Leopard’s Hill Road. The gallery was founded by Mr. And Mrs. Salasani, guided by the principles of nature, culture, art and God. Their collection consists of 400 art pieces from over 50 Zambian artists, accumulated over twenty years. Zeela Art Gallery is segmented into three phases: The Home, The Mural and The Indigenous Knowledge Centre. The design of the gallery and homestead take inspiration from Zambian village architecture. An antithesis to the contemporary art gallery, none of the pieces at Zeela are for sale.The Salasani’s have instead turned their home into a sanctuary for Zambian art, inviting visitor to engage with the work of prominent and emerging Zambian artists. Zeela means ‘a place of tall trees’ in Mambwe, and the gallery is the place to visit if you are looking for a holistic experience of art in Lusaka.
Henry Tayali Art Gallery
Named after one of Zambia’s most prolific artists, The Henry Tayali Art Gallery houses some of Zambia’s finest artworks. The gallery was repurposed from a tobacco warehouse and is located in Lusaka’s Agricultural and Commercial Society Showgrounds. Run by the Zambia National Visual Arts Council (VAC), the Henry Tayali Art Gallery has the motto “By the artists, for the artists”, and houses Modern and Post-Modern art works. The gallery is large and circular shaped, creating an intimate feeling despite its size. Additionally, the gallery’s central position was designed with the goal of elevating the audio-visual experience of visitors. Immaculately fashioned sculptures decorate the interior and exterior of the gallery and striking paintings line its walls. Visit this art gallery in Lusaka to encounter the spirit of Henry Tayali’s legacy.
Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre
The Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre (LuCAC) opened in 2023 with the exhibition, “Prospice, Kwacha!” Behind LuCAC’s conception was over two decades of conception by Victor Mutelekesha, who initially founded the Livingstone Contemporary Art Centre (LoCA) with his artists friends Anawana Haloba and Milumbe Hahimbe. Afterwards, Victor realised that Lusaka was also in need of a an arts centre and he began planning for LuCAC. The Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre is located in Chamba Valley and is a multifunctional creative space. It consists of a gallery, a library, an artistic research scheme and an artist-in-residence programme. Its opening exhibition was curated by Karen Monica Reini and included the artists: Banji Chona, Daut Makala, Germain Ngoma and Sana Ginwalla. This exhibition engaged with various aspects of Zambian identity across an array of artistic perspectives and practices. They host a number of artists in residence and interesting seminars throughout the year. Visit this innovative Lusaka art gallery if you’re looking to appease your appetite for art, or are just curious about the place.
Useful Information:
Where is Everyday Lusaka? The gallery is located at the E.W Tarry Building in Lusaka’s City Centre and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to get to the Manjarts Community Art Gallery: It was founded in Kelvin Mwanza’s backyard and is located off Kamloops Road, near the Nangwenya Road intersection.
Can I book accommodation at Zeela Art Gallery? The space has homesteads where visitors can book a stay and the gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When does Henry Tayali Art Gallery open? The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
When does the Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre open? LuCAC is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m to 5 p.m and Sundays from 12 p.m to 4 p.m.
