The Friends of the Gallery and the Italian Ambassador Enrico de Agostini will on Saturday handover sixteen custom-painted bins to the Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni.
The bins were sourced as part of the Friends of the Gallery's "Waste no Waste: Trash is Treasure" art auction, which took place on May 13 this year, and shall be placed in and around the Central Business District for the utility of the citizens of the capital.
A select group of leading artists were commissioned by captains of industry, patrons of the arts and philanthropists to paint on rubbish bins at an event which was held in the penthouse of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on May 9.
In a statement, the NGZ noted that the event was successful and the bins would show the artists' concern with environmental issues.
"The bin painting process was a successful occurrence which brought together art practitioners, benefactors and members of the public to get their hands dirty in order to keep the city clean.
"The result was a stimulating experience on the eye, eighteen different styles that strip the metal bins of their "trash-can" nature, all for the use and enjoyment of the citizenry," noted NGZ in a statement.
Several companies such as Mwana Africa, Grand Reinsurance, British American Tobacco, Enrico de Agostini, Dr Solomon Guramatunhu and former Harare mayor, Muchadeyi Masunda fostered the painting of the bins.
"The organisational backing for this event was monumental and will go a long way in the advocacy for waste management and promotion of methods that work towards having a cleaner city.
"Incorporating art into city spaces also works as a move towards augmenting Harare's cultural wealth and maintains the Sunshine City status.
"The donation to the City of Harare will see them placed at various locations throughout the city, as part of the 'Keep Harare Clean' campaign."
Proceeds from the Friends of the Gallery art auction go towards the acquisition of art works for the National Gallery of Zimbabwe permanent collection.
SOURCE: The Herald
