Art

LubutoArts is an ongoing visual arts program that serves as a means of communication and self-expression for young people. In addition to Lubuto’s current art facilitator, this program has been offered in Lubuto libraries by volunteer art teachers since the first library opened in 2007. In 2023 a LubutoArts participant (Emmanuel Chisenga) was nominated for best young emerging visual artist by the Visual Art Council popularly known as Ngoma Awards and he emerged as a winner for the same category. Another participant showcased his pieces at the Lechwe Trust Art Gallery (CZYAA) in 2023 for another emerging artist award competition. LubutoArts participants have also displayed their work at exhibitions in Zambia and abroad, including a showcase at Lusaka’s private Henry Tayali Gallery in February 2009 and a show in June 2011 at the prestigious Stella Jones Gallery in New Orleans, USA. A partnership with Lusaka-based stArt Foundation (a small, private charitable trust dedicated to the generation and promotion of visual arts practice and arts education in Zambia) has resulted in ongoing art workshops held in the libraries with exhibitions at the Foundation’s gallery. The LubutoArts program is inspired by and enriched through the many excellent art books in the collections, including instructional books, biographies of great artists, and award-winning picture books, illustrated books, and graphic novels. Former participants have gone on to earn a living as artists. LubutoArts is currently offered once every week.