L

ocal visual artists have a chance to market their work on a global platform courtesy of an international organisation Art for Change initiative.

Through the initiative, the artists’ work will be placed on an online market space called Mowsse where the artwork will be auctioned. The submitted work will undergo a vetting process before selection.

The artists will have the chance to monitor developments on the market and once their work is sold, they will be entitled to a 60 percent cut.

According to curators of the project, the initiative seeks to promote financial liberation in the countries they are working in by creating a platform where they can promote artists and their work.

Chipaso: Malawi has talent

Creative director Susie Cortez said they are committed to alleviate some of the problems that African communities face through the sale of virtual artistic work.

She said the funds raised will help to foster a vibrant culture which embraces the values of human development for everyone.

“Artists are being asked to create something that communicates about their culture, people or customs of their country and create the artwork. Proceeds from the sale will be split between the organisation and the artist,” she said.

So far, 10 visual artists have been listed on the platform and they include Elson Kambalu, Upile Phiri, Kenani Chipaso and Tapiwa Mlinga. The artists have been asked to create paintings that reflect Malawi’s culture in line with the theme of the initiative.

In a separate interview, Chipaso said Malawi is rich in talent, but it lacks avenues of exposure.

He said the Mowsse platform will allow the artists to expose the identity of malawi through their creations.

“We have not done well in terms of marketing our work. This platform will accord us the spotlight and people will know that Malawi has talent,” he said.

The organisation says they are expecting over 50 entries and three winners will be drawn from the lot. The first will receive $1 000, the second will get $500 while the third winner will earn $250.

Art for Change is a charity created to fund projects in countries such as Malawi. Apart from the arts, they also have footprints in the sanitation and food sectors.

The three top artists will be chosen for special recognition by Mowsse and will be invited to be  spotlight artists on the platform. 

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