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Kundai Marunya-Arts Correspondent

Renowned online gallery Avac Arts has moved to expand their operations, thus opening their first physical gallery space at Victoria Falls Airport. 

This is in line with the organisation’s 2023 vision to increase their visibility and foster development in the sector. 

The space, set up towards the end of the year, has since been opened to the public. 

Avac Arts director Terence Musiyiwa said the space predominantly exhibits stone sculpture. 

“Just like our online platform, we are predominantly a stone sculpture gallery, exhibiting and selling artwork from sculptors across the country, be they established or rising,” he said.

Musiyiwa said most of the work being exhibited was created by young people and female artists. 

“We have been working, especially with young people and female sculptors giving them raw stone to sculpt and in return we sell their work through Avac Arts. It’s a programme we are expanding this year involving as many artists as possible,” said Musiyiwa. 

“These are the artists we are giving first preference at our physical gallery space as well as all the big names we have been working with over the years.”

Masiyiwa said he hopes the physical space will expand their reach. 

“Though there is big business and unlimited access to international markets online, the setting up of our gallery space at Victoria Falls Airport also expands our reach to art lovers who pass through the international terminal on a daily basis,” he said. 

“With the physical space being in a resort town that frequents international visitors, we hope to capitalise on that to increase our sales.” 

Meanwhile, Avac Arts has set their eyes on opening an arts centre. 

“It’s been years since we applied for land along Harare’s Airport Road to set up an arts centre, but we are yet to get it,” he said. 

“It is at this space that we hope to set up an arts centre that will benefit disadvantaged aspiring young artists. 

“This is one development we hope to focus on to see fruition this year.”

Avac Arts is an art platform that exhibits and sells artworks from various Zimbabwean sculptors to art enthusiasts across the globe.