Zimbabwe Artists Project

ZAP celebrates the artistry and accomplishments of women from rural Weya in eastern Zimbabwe. Through education, sale of their art in the U.S., and special projects, ZAP helps women become economically self-sufficient. Women of Weya are subsistence farmers, mothers, and householders as well as artists. Most women live on their own, providing for families. Some are widowed, others are single heads of households, since throughout Zimbabwe men leave the rural areas to seek work in cities. Women’s income from agriculture is unpredictable and limited. Sales of their art helps women afford food, clothing, school fees, medicines, transport, seeds and fertilizer. Since the market for Weya art in Zimbabwe is extremely limited, sales in the U.S. are critical. ZAP pays more than twice as much per piece as any other buyer, delivering cash at the time of purchase. ZAP’s complementary goal is to communicate with Americans about Zimbabwe’s history and culture, as well as about the artists’ lives. At Weya art shows in the U.S., we address issues of gender, colonialism, and globalization. Through our video and through the photographs of the artists and the stories that accompany each piece of art, we offer connections with real African people. Stereotypes of plighted masses give way to images of rural African women as strong, talented, and fully capable human beings.

ZAP’s Origins
Zimbabwe Artists Project has its roots in Lewis and Clark College Overseas Programs. Dick Adams, a sociology professor, led students to Zimbabwe in 1994, 1997 and 1999, on programs focused on gender and social change. In 1997, artists from Weya, who were host mothers/sisters for the students, asked him to find a market for their art in the U.S. He founded Zimbabwe Artists Project in 1999 as a non-profit organization.

Our Relationship with the Artists
Zimbabwe Artists Project strives for a genuine partnership with the women of Weya. We believe that traditional donor-recipient relationships often foster self-satisfaction on one hand and dependency on the other. This can be damaging to both sides, deepening existing inequalities. Our approach is based on the belief that self-respect comes through people’s own accomplishments. Our goal is to foster self-respect and self-reliance through collaborative projects.

Accomplishments in Zimbabwe
We are involved in a number of important activities with the artists and in their community. We have helped Weya artists create their own cooperative association, assisting with constitution writing and fundamentals of bookkeeping. ZAP gives the artists continuing feedback on their art and has funded workshops to enhance artistic skills. We frequently transport artists and supplies on the 200-mile round-trip to Harare, the capital city, and pay for health care for all artists. Additionally, we assist with special projects for artists who have emergencies or compelling needs. In those cases, we request that the person in need create a piece of art about her situation. We then purchase the work at above the normal rate. Artists have used this income to rebuild fragile houses, meet major medical emergencies, care for AIDS orphans, and enter teacher-training college. ZAP has completed a clean water project in Weya and is engaged with the people of Weya in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

How You Can Help
Please visit our Get Involved page to learn more about how you can help.