Alpheus Mvula on Living from Art

Pinehas NakazikoWith the current pandemic affecting all corners of the world, artists are also finding it difficult to make a breakthrough in their field as their work needs an audience.

This was said by acclaimed stone sculptor, printmaker and visual artist Alpheus Mvula, with whom The Weekender caught up to speak about his strategies to strengthen the art world and promote the importance of art education, and how artists intend to make a living out of their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With more than twenty years of experience in the art sector, Mvula says he wants to support art through his Art in the House initiatives.

“During this pandemic and after we learned what art can do, performing art visually is the relevant element to save lives by seeing and telling a story on how art can contribute to the country’s economy. More can be strengthened in the art sector with copyright and art policies to be established effectively,” says Mvula.

He adds that more support is needed for the art sector, and to promote a cultural economy by creating exhibition opportunities in public spaces.

Mvula said he was working on plans to see the opportunities and future in art, and on strategies for art education to educate the public about the importance of art in societies.

Mvula has achieved success in his studies and exhibitions, including a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship to Bremen University of Arts in Germany (2009), the University of Namibia in 2012, and the John Muafangejo Art Centre (JMAC), as well as the College of the Arts.

Mvula is also known for hosting art talks locally and internationally, with topics touching on politics, society and the environment in art.

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