Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection
- Emerson's Collection 17 April - 19th June 2025
Online Catalogue with Audio
The exhibition Catalogue with written & audio guide, and the Curatorial Statement of the seven pieces by the artist Damian Msagula is now online.
Outside The Lines
Outside the lines is an annual exhibition showcasing works from Emerson Skeenโs extensive collection of art, artifacts, fabrics, and furniture gathered throughout his time in Zanzibar.
This exhibition highlights the influences behind Emersonโs artistic and cultural vision, connecting his legacy with the foundations aim to support individuals with exceptional talents in artistic and academic fields and to assist local organizations that preserve and enhance the culture of Zanzibar.
Emerson Skeen's Collection
Those who visited his hotels know Emerson Skeenโs passion for collecting art and artifacts. He was deeply inspired by the island’s rich cultural expressions, often blending Swahili art and objects with modern and foreign influences. His designs were rooted in Swahili traditions, using local materials and techniques suited to the climate and culture.
Emersonโs approach was eclectic, never confined to a single tone, style, or trend. Like a skilled musician, he improvised, combining different keys and rhythms while respecting the structural beauty of Zanzibar.
Damian B.K. Msagula (1939-2005)
Not much is known about the history of the paintings in Emersonโs collection, other than that they were purchased in the late 1980s and 1990s. Msagula, originally from Ndanda in the Mtwara region, began his artistic journey with the Tinga Tinga collective in Dar es Salaam.
Over time, he developed his own distinct style and became a prominent figure in the Tanzanian art scene, sharing stylistic and thematic connections with peers like George Lilanga and other artists from Nyumba ya Sanaa. Msagula’s work is known for its unique technique, where he boldly colored outside the lines.
Emerson Dewey Skeen
Emerson Dewey Skeen first traveled to Zanzibar in the 1980s and, after several visits, decided to live there for 25 years.
Beyond opening boutique hotels, he was deeply engaged in cultural initiatives that continue to influence the islandโs art scene today.
In collaboration with others, he helped launch significant projects such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), the Dhow Countries Music Academy, and the internationally recognized Sauti za Busara music festival.
For a deeper look into Msagulaโs technique and his influence on the Zanzibari art scene, an interactive experience is available via the online Exhibition Catalogue and Curatorial Statement.
We hope you enjoy this experience and let your eyes, not your preconceptions, guide you through his narratives.
Jan van Esch
Independent curator and artist
janvanesch.com
View the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Exhibition Catalogue 2025
(Please allow time to download)
Download the uncompressed PDF version (24Mb) of Emerson Zanzibar Art Award Exhibition 2024 Catalogue click here.
Emerson Collection Art Exhibition officially opened
The Opening of the Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection 2025 in Stone Town, celebrated the extraordinary contributions of the much loved Tanzanian artist, Damien Msagula.
The highlight of the opening on the 17th April 2025 was the introduction given by Jan van Esch, Independent Curator for the exhibition.ย Jan explained the unique contribution made by the featured artist Msugala.ย He alsoย gave some insights in how to pause, look and observe the artworks on display.
๐ธ with thanks to Omar Rashid (IG: @great_bazungu6 )
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Encourages Local Artists
Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity
During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Foundation started holding art exhibitions. These were curated exhibitions, located at the Emerson Hotels in Stone Town styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style โ from the few, curious tourists, residents, to invited special guests โ with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotelโs chef.
A group of artists approached Emerson Zanzibar Foundation with a request to organise an exhibition with both established and young, upcoming artists โ 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…’ย
Thank you to Jan van Esch, Curator –ย janvanesch.com
Veritas Africa – Foods and Drinks in Zanzibar
Simply IT – Websites in Tanzania
Flashback ๐ฌ
This week, weโre celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!๐ฅ
But the journey didnโt end with the award... [2/3]
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #artsandculture #winner
![Flashback ๐ฌ
This week, weโre celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!๐ฅ
But the journey didnโt end with the award... [2/3]
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #artsandculture #winner](https://emersonzanzibar.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Flashback ๐ฌ
Winning was only the beginningโฆ
As part of our commitment to supporting artistic growth beyond the festival, we helped ZIFF 2025 winner Mfaume Hassan Ally access a unique professional development opportunity ๐
TATAKI, in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, held a playwriting workshop. With the support and consultation of Professor Mhando, Mfaume was able to participate in a program he would not normally have been eligible to join.
A reminder that recognition can open doors to new learning, connections, and creative possibilities โจ [3/3]
We look forward to ZIFF 2026, coming very soon!
#ziff #ziff2025 #playwriting #artsdevelopment #zanzibar
A successful opening night for AiR SPICE, artists in residency ๐ฟ๐จ
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in the Secret Garden to celebrate resident artists MAMAA, SIZYA, and DIDA. The exhibition is now open through 15 August 2026 with free entry ๐ผ๏ธ
Photos by: Omar Rashid @great_bazungu6
Come explore Zanzibarโs vibrant creative voices at Emerson Spice Hotel โจ
#airspice #artistinresidence #zanzibarart #emersonszanzibarfoundation #artexhibition
๐จ Meet the AIR SPICE 2026 Artists-in-Residence:
โจ MAMAA
โจ SIZYA
โจ DIDA
For two months, these talented artists will create, connect, and share their work with the community at Emerson Spice Hotelโs Secret Garden.
๐
11 June โ 15 August 2026
๐ Free Entry
#airspice #zanzibarart #artistresidency #creativezanzibar #emersonszanzibarfoundation
*TANGAZO LA WITO WA MAOMBI*
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation inakaribisha waandishi wa Zanzibar kuwasilisha maombi yao kwa Series Scriptwriting Award 2026, toleo la 11 la tuzo zake za kila mwaka za filamu.
Mwaka huu, tuzo inaendelea kuhamasisha uandishi wa miswada ya Tamthilia za televisheni (TV Series) wenye ubunifu, unaoakisi maisha, utamaduni na changamoto za Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla.
*Kaulimbiu:*
โStories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwaniโ
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
โ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
โ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
โ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
โ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
โ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3โ5)
โข Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
โข Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
โข Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
โข Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
โข Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
โข Kurasa 25โ30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
๐
Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
๐
Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
๐
Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
๐ Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
๐ Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
๐ Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
๐ Msaada wa kisanii na utangazaji wa mradi
*Jinsi ya Kutuma*
๐ง [email protected]
Subject:
Series Award 2026 โ [Jina la Tamthilia] โ [Jina la Mwandishi]
Andika hadithi. Simulia Zanzibar. Tengeneza mustakabali wa televisheni ya Tanzania.
Flashback ๐ฌ
As we count down to ZIFF 2026, weโre looking back at some of the unforgettable moments from ZIFF 2025 โฅ๏ธ
From the opening night celebrations to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival, ZIFF once again brought together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. ๐ฅ
On this picture: the winner of script award 2025 Mfaume Hassan Ally ๐
Join us as we revisit the highlights as the next edition is in the soon future [1/3]. โจ
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #filmfestival #zanzibar
On 20 May, Tarajazz officially released Cheichei online, sharing their music with the world.๐
And weโre not done yetโฆ stay tuned for our upcoming online event celebrating the platform release of the album!
Listen to Cheichei here: ditto.fm/cheichei ๐ฟ [4/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #cheichei #newmusic #zanzibar
Flashback ๐ถ
Last January, we celebrated the physical launch of Tarajazzโs album, an unforgettable moment and the start of something exciting โจ
The journey continuesโฆ ๐ [3/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #albumlaunch #zanzibar
Pictures by: Walid
Flashback ๐ถ
May, weโre revisiting highlights from last yearโs music support ๐ค
โข
This week: celebrating our winner, Tarajazz a truly standout act. They won suited assistance, what that means will be shown soon! ๐
โข
Weโre also incredibly grateful to all the talented artists who took part in the auditions and made the journey so special ๐
Stay tuned as we share more about Tarajazz [2/4] ๐
โข
โข
โข
#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback
Flashback Time!๐ถ
This May, weโre looking back at some of the standout moments from last yearโs music support initiatives๐ธ
This week, weโre spotlighting the incredible jury behind the 2025 Emerson Zanzibar Music Award โ the minds who made it all possible. Without their expertise and dedication, there would be no competition! ๐
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Stay with us as we share more from this journey [1/4].
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Special thanks to our head of jury John Kitime ๐ @john_kitime
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Become a member of the Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation, to support the Zanzibar arts & culture!โค๏ธ
#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback #behindthescenes
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Photo by: Markus Meissl
We are thrilled to welcome you to an open studio exhibition of Jan van Eschโs Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
๐ *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026
๐ *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown
๐ *Opening Hours:* Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM
In this thought-provoking exhibition, Jan van Esch transforms abandoned clothing into a powerful commentary on culture, identity, and the textile waste crisis. By scavenging garments from Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dar es Salaam, Jan highlights how clothing can serve as a communicative system bridging cultural divides through visual language.
The journey of clothing, from cherished garment to discarded waste reveals complex layers of meaning. Janโs patchworks and intricate drawings celebrate these fragments, bringing new life and story to what we wear and waste. Through his art, he invites us to move beyond monologue to dialogue, questioning how we engage with textiles in our daily lives.
Donโt miss this opportunity to engage with Janโs compelling installations and join the conversation about the global implications of our fashion choices. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant exhibition!
With thanks to @veritaszanzibar @emersonspicezanzibar and Emerson on Hurumzi for supporting this exhibition
๐ธโจ *Be sure to follow us for sneak peeks and highlights as we countdown to the opening!* #GhabhExhibition #JanVanEsch #EmersonFoundation #Textiles #artexhibitions
*๐ Join Us for the 10th Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2026 ๐ถ*
๐ LIVE PERFORMANCE
๐
Date: February 4, 2026
๐ Time: From 4 PM
๐ Location: Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
๐ Come Enjoy and discover a new Zanzibarโs musical talent!
๐ AWARD CEREMONY
๐
*Date:* February 7, 2026
๐ *Time:* 8:30 PM
๐ *Location:* Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
Celebrate the best in music and witness the awarding of exceptional talents who have made their mark in our music scene!
โจ Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of Zanzibar!
For more information, donโt hesitate to reach out!
Email:[email protected]
Whatsapp: +255 687 048 767
#EmersonsZanzibar #MusicAward2026 #TaarabFusion#ZanzibarVibes
