The City of Bulawayo has taken a bold step toward sustainable development through a growing partnership with Switzerland, marked by a visit from Ambassador Stéphane Rey and a symbolic handover of an eco-conscious art piece.

During his visit, Ambassador Rey met with Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart for constructive discussions focused on development, environmental sustainability, and cultural cooperation.

As part of the engagement, the Embassy of Switzerland officially handed over a unique art piece created by Creative Lounge Trust. This piece, which merges art with ecology, is designed to serve as an interactive community tool that encourages residents to rethink waste and reduce the environmental impact of discarded materials.

This initiative reflects Switzerland’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable partnerships and promoting environmental awareness through cultural dialogue.

Following the handover, the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo hosted an impactful Art and Ecology Exhibition. Curated by Laura Fungai Ganda and supported by the Swiss Embassy, the exhibition is part of the Art and Ecology Laboratory of Ideas project led by Creative Lounge Trust.

The showcase featured thought-provoking installations that highlighted how art can transform waste into beauty while raising awareness about environmental challenges. It also emphasized the power of public art to inspire community engagement in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The project includes collaboration between artists from Harare and Bulawayo, aiming to spark long-term awareness and action through creative expression. Featured artists included Victor Nyakauru, Clive Mukucha, Shalom Kufakwatenzi, Tinotenda Chivhinge, Nothando Chiwanga, and Damien Grant, who were celebrated for their vision and creativity in this transformative initiative.

_{(SOURCE: National Gallery of Zimbabwe)}