Focus on The Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP)

The Zimbabwe Artists Project (ZAP) has been one of our vendors for six years.  ZAP partners with Weya artists in strengthening self-sufficiency, cultural understanding, and education.  We love having ZAP be a part of the Seaview Manor Bazaar.  Customers love their artwork, and they have always sold well.  Each artist receives the proceeds from the sale of her piece, which I particularly like.  But the project does so much more.  I have taken the following description from their website.  You can learn more about the project and look at the many pieces of art available for purchase at http://zimbabweartistsproject.org/.  You can also find them on facebook.

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.