Emerson Zanzibar Visual Arts Awards 2024

Expressions of Zanzibar Women: A Tale of Two Perspectives

In the heart of Stone Town, where history and culture converge in the street of Hurumzi, at Emerson Zanzibar Foundation has sparked an artistic dialogue about the strength, creativity, and resilience of Zanzibar women. November saw the conclusion of Expressions of Zanzibar Women, a poignant exhibition by Robin Batista, a celebrated photographer and native son of Zanzibar. As his work transitions to his gallery, the stage is set for a new chapter: the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition, featuring the talents of female Zanzibari artists, opening December 5th, 2024.

The Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery Honours Women

Batista’s Perspective: A Native’s Tribute to His Own

Robin Batista, deeply rooted in the culture and rhythms of Zanzibar, brought a uniquely intimate lens to Expressions of Zanzibar Women. His two decades of experience as a photographer culminated in a series that celebrated the island’s women as pillars of strength and culture. Batista’s work did not merely observe—it participated, embedding itself in the shared spirit of the community he calls home.

As a native, Batista’s portrayal carried the authenticity of someone who understands his subjects on a profound level. His photographs captured moments that were both ordinary and extraordinary: a woman at work, a glance filled with unspoken strength, a celebration of resilience. These images reflected not only the lives of Zanzibari women but also how they are cherished and celebrated by the community. Batista’s gallery on 155 Gizenga Street continues to serve as a space where this tribute can be revisited and appreciated.

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Art Award December 2024

The Women’s Perspective: A Celebration from Within

As Batista’s exhibition closes, the spotlight shifts to the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition, a showcase dedicated to female artists of Zanzibar. This exhibition is more than a platform; it is a declaration of the women’s creative voices, expressed through their own hands and visions. It invites visitors to explore how women see themselves and their world—a perspective rooted in lived experiences and cultural heritage.

While Batista’s photographs celebrated what Zanzibari women mean to the community, the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition turns the lens inward. The women’s works are likely to explore themes of identity, resilience, and creativity, providing an unfiltered, deeply personal narrative. It is an opportunity for them to highlight their skills, challenge stereotypes, and assert their roles as not just subjects of admiration but as creators of culture and art.

A Unified Celebration: Two Faces of One Story

The transition from Batista’s exhibition to the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view Zanzibar women through two complementary perspectives. Batista, as a son of Zanzibar, captured the community’s collective admiration for its women, honoring their resilience and grace. In contrast, the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition celebrates women as authors of their own stories, presenting their journeys, and trumph through their art.

These two exhibitions form a dialogue—a rich interplay of appreciation and self-expression. Visiting both allows for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles Zanzibar women play in shaping their community. Batista’s gallery on 155 Gizenga Street and the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s new exhibition space on 240 Hurumzi Street become dual sanctuaries for celebrating the creativity and strength of Zanzibari women.

As the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition opens, we are reminded of the importance of both perspectives: the tribute of a native son and the voices of the women themselves. Together, they weave a narrative of resilience, artistry, and empowerment, inviting all to honor the dynamic spirit of Zanzibar women.

By Nyika Mbari Sekibaha
Freelancer Artist, Writer, Poet, Arts Manager& Administrator and Social scientist.
Contact: info.nyikambari@gmail.com

The Art Exhibition is at the Gallery in Emerson on Hurumzi – 7th December 2024-January 2024

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Celebrating Zanzibar Female Artist Excellence in Visual Arts 2024

From traditional henna painting and drawings to contemporary painting and mixed media, these talented women embody resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage.

This year’s award honors their pivotal role in shaping Zanzibar’s artistic and cultural identity—preserving traditions while pioneering new paths in the arts and creative industries.

Explore their inspiring works, which beautifully blend history, and heritage. Let’s come together to support and celebrate the women artists who enrich Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural landscape.

The Particpants 2024

island’s rich tapestry of history and lived experiences.
By dedicating this year’s award to women visual artists, we aim to honor their artistic achievements, celebrate their contributions to Zanzibar’s cultural landscape, and inspire the next generation of women creatives to carry forward the island’s legacy of innovation and beauty.
View the Arts Award Catalogue 2024

(Please allow time to download)

Download the uncompressed PDF version (24Mb) of Emerson Zanzibar Art Award Exhibition 2024 Catalogue click here.

The 4th Art Award Exhibition officially opened

Yussuf received the award for his artwork “Jiko La Zamani”.

The Opening of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Visual Arts Award 2024 celebrating the extraordinary contributions of women visual artists in Zanzibar. was Thursday 5th Dec 2024 at 4:30pm. Many visitors joined us in celebrating the female artist’s creative vision!

The exhibition is now open from 6th Dec 2024 to 16th January 2025
— Opening Hours Tues-Sun: 10am-6pm

📍: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

📅 Thursday 19th Dec 2024 – Winner Announcement Event

The Awards 2024

📍: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

📅 Thursday 19th Dec 2024 – Winner Announcement Event

Two Years since Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery Opened

Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation believes passionately in promoting and preserving the local culture of Zanzibar, in visual art, musical art, film and literacy.

Emerson Zanzibar 4th Art Award

On Thursday 19th Dec 2024 the annual Art Award will be presented to one of the participating artists. You are welcome to this event from 4pm in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Art Gallery by Emerson on Hurumzi hotel.

Curious about the artworks? Do come over for the exhibition. The exhibition is now open from 6th Dec 2024 to 16th January 2025 — Opening Hours Tues-Sun: 10am-6pm

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Celebrating Local Artists

Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity

During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Hotels started holding art exhibitions in a different way to how they had been done previously. These were curated exhibitions, styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style – from the few, curious tourists to residents, to invited special guests – with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotel’s chef.

A group of artists approached Emerson Zanzibar with the request to organise an exhibition with both established and young, upcoming artists – to provide an opportunity for well established artists to share their experiences and for the young a chance to show their work publicly.

The idea grew from visual art, expanding to creativity in music, a special dinner planned to share local creativity in gastronomy and also combined with the regular Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s award to celebrate Zanzibari film-makers.

Emerson Zanzibar is not just hotels and restaurants; since our doors opened, Emerson Zanzibar has been very closely connected to the creative sector. And so the Visual Arts awards began…’ 

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