Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE– The City of Mutare Junior Council has announced the 2025 “Jewel of the East (Visual Art) Drawing/Painting Competition,” inviting children and young people living in Mutare to participate.
This initiative seeks to engage youth in local governance, recognising them as valuable partners and active citizens capable of influencing decisions that affect their communities. Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and development efforts of the City Council, showcasing their artistic talents while expressing their connection to the city they call home.
This year’s competition theme, “My Favourite City Landmark,” encourages young artists to creatively depict their most cherished landmarks within Mutare. According to a statement released by the local authority participants are invited to explore various iconic features, whether they be breathtaking natural wonders like hills and rivers, architecturally significant buildings, cultural symbols, or scenes that capture the vibrancy of life in the city.
The landmarks may include historical sites, unique night-time views, or familiar places that resonate personally with the artists. The initiative aims not only to celebrate Mutare’s diverse identity but to inspire appreciation for the city’s landmarks.
“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for our youth to showcase their artistic skills and to reflect on the aspects of Mutare that they cherish the most We want to foster a sense of pride in our local heritage and encourage young people to engage actively in their community,” read a statement from the local authority.
Adding to the significance of this year’s competition is the alignment with the City of Mutare’s hosting of Zimbabwe’s Premier Tourism Showcase, the “Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo,” in 2025.
The best artworks submitted to the competition will be curated and compiled into a “City Artbook,” offering an engaging visual representation of how the youth of Mutare perceive and celebrate their city.
This art book will be prominently displayed at the expo, providing local and international visitors an opportunity to appreciate Mutare through the eyes of its talented young artists, showcasing the city as a hub of creativity, culture, and tourism.
The competition will be divided into various categories tailored to different age groups, ensuring that all students can participate and express their creativity.
Categories one to three are to focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 7 pupils. Participants are encouraged to depict nature-based landmarks within Mutare, capturing the stunning beauty of the city’s natural features such as mountains, parks, gardens, and more. This category aims to promote environmental appreciation and encourage young artists to celebrate nature’s beauty.
Category four is designed for Form One to Form Two pupils, this category highlights cultural landmarks, inviting participants to depict historical sites, museums, or cultural event spaces that reflect the rich heritage of Mutare. This focus aims to deepen students’ understanding of their cultural identity.
Category five is targeted at Form Three to Form Four pupils, this category emphasises infrastructure landmarks, including notable buildings, bridges, and other significant structures. Participants will celebrate the city’s architectural evolution and the stories these structures tell about Mutare’s progress.
Category six is tailored for Form Five to Form Six pupils, this category offers two focus areas: Night-time Landmarks and People Landmarks. Participants can choose to capture the enchanting beauty of Mutare after dark or depict the lively social interactions that define the city, from bustling markets to vibrant festivals.
“The competition aims to engage young talents in expressing their perspectives on the landmarks that shape Mutare’s identity while fostering community involvement in the local governance process. As the city prepares to celebrate its unique characteristics through art, the local authority looks forward to receiving a diverse range of interpretations from the talented youth of Mutare,” it stated
