CREATIVE TALENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS ARTISANS WITH DISABILITIES SHINE AT GWANDA EXHIBITION
CREATIVE TALENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS ARTISANS WITH DISABILITIES SHINE AT GWANDA EXHIBITION
In a powerful celebration of creativity, resilience and empowerment, the Maggie’s Unique Designs Exhibition took centre stage in Gwanda on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, showcasing the rich artistic talents of people with disabilities from Matabeleland South Province.
The exhibition, held at the Open Space on Sudan Street next to Gwanda Prisons, ran from 9 AM to 4 PM under the inspiring theme: “Creativity Knows No Limits: Unveiling Talent, Building Dreams.”
The event drew participants from the three districts of Beitbridge, Gwanda and Umzingwane, offering a vibrant platform for PWDS artisans to present and sell their crafts, network with stakeholders, and gain recognition for their unique contributions to the creative industry.
It was not just an art show, but a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked potential within marginalised communities.
The Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), a key supporter of the event, played a central role in turning the vision into a reality.
NFT, a Gwanda-based organisation dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, has built a strong reputation for advancing inclusion and dignity.
Over the years, the Trust has worked with government departments, local authorities, and civil society organisations and communities to remove barriers to participation and advocate for disability-friendly development at the grassroots level.
At the exhibition, guests were treated to an array of hand-made products—each piece reflecting not only skill but personal stories of determination.
The event was officially opened with welcoming remarks followed by a keynote address from Gwanda Municipality Town Clerk, Ms Priscilla Nkala, who commended the artisans for defying societal limitations through artistic expression.
“Talent knows no boundaries, and today we are witnessing the undeniable truth of that,” she said, urging continued support for inclusive arts initiatives.
Midday saw a lively networking session as visitors mingled with exhibitors, leading to fruitful sales and collaborative discussions.
The event culminated in an awards and certification ceremony where artisans received formal recognition for their work—an important step in affirming their value in the cultural and economic spheres.
The exhibition achieved multiple outcomes: enhanced visibility for PWDs creatives, improved sales opportunities, and a boost in self-confidence among participants.
Most importantly, it challenged stereotypes and amplified voices too often ignored in mainstream creative spaces.
Sponsored by the Culture Fund and supported by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Gwanda Municipality and NFT, the event stood as a shining example of inclusive development in action.
For the Nkomwa Foundation Trust, it marked yet another stride in their ongoing mission to empower persons with disabilities, reminding all that true progress leaves no one behind.