When we first moved to Zambia, the chances of finding an art scene seemed slim, wherever I looked for info I came up with nothing. Some websites and tourist info stated there were no galleries in Lusaka.
When we lived here before we used to go to a little gallery in Eastern Province, where we bought some beautiful pieces, the gallery was VAC – the visual arts council of Zambia. Logic suggested there would be one in the capital and after looking in a good old fashioned phone book, we found it.
We attended the launch of its new exhibition on Thursday for its workshop 'Augustudio'. The work on display was a mixture of painting and sculpture – stone and wood, produced by students of Evelyn Hone college – a further education institution in Lusaka. Much of the work was competently executed and there was a great variation of styles. The subjects were very much rooted in the culture and landscape of Zambia and it was fascinating to see how these young people translated their experience into art.
Art is not taught much in schools in Zambia, it's seen as no use in getting a job and it's often difficult to see how creativity is really fostered here. That's why VAC and organizations like it are so important. VAC is funded by various international bodies including a few European embassies, many of the artists volunteer for the centre. The artwork is on sale and reasonably priced.
