From Beer Hall to Art Center: Mbare’s Creative Renaissance
Once a colonial-era beer hall designed to control black urban life, an Mbare township hall in Zimbabwe is now home to a vibrant creative rebirth. Artist Moffat Takadiwa has transformed the abandoned site into Mbare Art Space – a bustling hub for visual arts, education, and community engagement. Drawing inspiration from around the world but rooted in local history, the center has reclaimed a legacy of segregation and reimagined it as one of empowerment. With colorful murals, artist residencies, workshops, and plans for a public art library, the space pulses with new life. As artists upcycle urban waste into bold works, Mbare Art Space is becoming more than just a gallery—it’s a living symbol of regeneration and hope for Zimbabwe’s future.
The Conversation
