The Challenge:
Western Province in Zambia experiences annual flooding, which, while part of the natural cycle, often disrupts lives and obscures the rich cultural heritage of the region. Click here to verify
"Each flood not only washes away the land but also threatens to wash away the marks of our ancestors," - Mwamba (a local elder)
The Solution:
To counteract the loss of cultural identity exacerbated by these floods, Chanda, a respected artist in Western Zambia, spearheaded a local artist-led initiative aimed at documenting and preserving the community’s cultural heritage through art. This program engages local artists to create works inspired by the region’s traditions, histories, and stories, integrating these projects into educational and therapeutic contexts.
"Through our art, we hold on to and celebrate our heritage, making it accessible and resilient, much like our people," - Chanda (project leader)
The Implementation:
Chanda and her team initiated the program by collaborating with local cultural historians, community leaders, and schools to identify themes that are crucial to Western Zambia’s cultural narrative. These themes encompass traditional ceremonies, folklore, and the community’s historical resilience against natural adversities.
Workshops were organized where artists and community members, including elders and cultural bearers, came together to share stories and inspirations. These stories were then artistically interpreted by the artists, who also documented their creative processes.
"As we paint and sculpt, we not only capture our culture but also teach and heal our community," - Kabwe (participating artist)
The Impact:
The initiative has profoundly impacted Western Zambia by revitalizing interest in local culture and providing therapeutic outlets for those affected by the annual floods. Over 50 artworks have been created, each accompanied by educational materials used in local schools to teach students about their heritage.
"These exhibitions and the online archive have turned our artworks into a beacon of cultural pride and historical continuity," - Nchimunya (educator)
Lessons Learned:
- Deep Community Integration: Ensuring the authenticity and relevance of the cultural content was key, requiring deep integration and ongoing engagement with community elders and cultural experts.
- Balancing Artistic Freedom and Cultural Accuracy: Artists were encouraged to express creatively while strictly adhering to the cultural accuracy and sensitivity required by the documented themes.
- Leveraging Technology for Greater Reach: Developing an online archive expanded the impact of the project, allowing those unable to attend in person to interact with their heritage digitally.
- Sustainable Community Interest: Maintaining community interest was facilitated by continuously involving them in the creation process and updating the project's content and approach based on community feedback.
