EU COMPETITION, EXHBITION AND FUND RAISING AUCTION: FOG SPEECH FOR EXHBITION OPENING: 18 MARCH 2011

Speech by Sharon Waterworth

Manheru, good evening to one and all, to Rev Ndamasani Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry Education, Arts, Sports and Culture, his Excellency the EU Ambassador Dell'Ariccia, Mrs Sibanda Executive Director of NGZ, Board Members of the NGZ, Mr Chikukwa, Curator NGZ, members of the press and of course to all the artists here with us tonight - we could not have put on this exhibition on without you!

The EU has operated for many years in Zimbabwe now. Their various projects such as conservation farming, feeding programs, educational projects and so on all address the global Millennium Development Goals.

FoG are delighted that their continued relationship with the EU over the years has given birth to this key art project which highlights the values and symbols of the EU and the development assistance programmes funded by the EU in Zimbabwe. It is our hope that it will be just as successful as previous collaborative projects between the EU/NGZ/FoG and we would like to sincerely thank them for their constant assistance, for sponsoring this event and for their love of art.

FoG would like to congratulate all the artists who responded well in their different interpretations of the theme of ‘Continental Dialogues’. The Artists revisited the historical and geographical background of the EU, through its colours, structure, borders, passport, currencies and commonalities that make the EU what it is today. As you will see here tonight the project opened the artists up to many issues about the EU identity and the identity issues that are still relevant in our own discourse.  The EU is a continent and Africa is a continent too. This exhibition presents the relationship between the two.

The exhibition consists of 54 pieces from 33 different male and female artists ranging from young and aspiring artists, to mid career artists to established artists. The works include paintings, mixed media, sculptures and some experimental conceptual work. I am sure that some of the works in particular will stimulate some lively debate!

The EU will be selecting works to add to their permanent art collection of Zimbabwean artists, so you may find you work displayed in their offices.

Judging of the works was undertaken yesterday and the judges had a difficult job to decide the top three works. So, here we are – everyone ready????
Before I announce the winners I would like to thank all the artists for participating – you are all winners!

Ok here we go - In reverse order:

• 3rd EU prize goes to: Abstract acrylic painting entitled ‘Unity in Diversity’ by Daryl Nero
• 2nd EU prize goes to: Long format painting entitled ‘Chit Chat’ by Boarding Dzinotizei
• 1st EU prize goes to: Wood sculpture entitled ‘Symbol of Existence’ by Tafadzwa Gwetai

Makorokoto!

The exhibition will run until next Friday the 25th March, please enjoy it.  Then around this time next Friday, 25th March, there will be a live auction conducted here. It’s interesting and a lot of fun please come along and bid for a piece of unique art to take home with you. Tickets are on sale from Laura and Chemwi who are standing in the foyer USD 5.

Thank you for your time, now refreshments will be served.

S.S.Waterworth

FoG Chair