Staff Reporter
THE City of Windhoek and the City of Mannheim have strengthened their cultural partnership with the opening of “Namibia – A Photographic View”, an exhibition exploring Namibia’s people, communities, environmental challenges and everyday realities.
The exhibition was officially opened at the City of Windhoek Function Hall as part of the official visit to Windhoek by Mannheim Mayor Christian Specht and his delegation. It will remain on display for two weeks.
The joint exhibition was realised with support from the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums in Germany and the National Art Gallery of Namibia. It features the work of photographers Margaret Courtney-Clarke and Rachel Ngeitokondjo Sakeus.
Photos: Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)/City of Windhoek (CoW)
Courtney-Clarke’s work explores shared human experiences and challenges affecting communities across Namibia, while Sakeus’ “Tura Story” offers a personal perspective on life in Katutura, drawing on her own experiences and the history of the community. Her work also explores themes including drought, climate change and community resilience.
The exhibition was previously presented at Gallery ZEPHYR – Raum für Fotografie at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums in Mannheim, following an open call for professional artists and photographers born in, or living and working in, Namibia. A binational jury comprising members from Namibia and Germany selected the winning artistic work.
The opening programme included a guided tour and a panel discussion facilitated by Michelle Van Wyk, Director of the National Art Gallery of Namibia.
Khomas Regional Governor Sam Nujoma, who delivered the keynote address and officially opened the exhibition, called for greater recognition of artists as entrepreneurs and for an environment in which creativity can contribute to social and economic development.
He highlighted Windhoek’s potential to become a cultural destination, saying the creative sector could generate income and opportunities for artists, residents and businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Nujoma also noted that the Eighth Administration, under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has identified the creative economy alongside youth empowerment, education and skills development as national priorities.
Specht described the exhibition as more than a cultural event, saying it provides an opportunity to deepen the relationship between Windhoek and Mannheim.
The exhibition also highlights the growing connection between culture and tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with Namibia’s history and contemporary social landscape beyond traditional tourist attractions.
Residents, visitors, photography enthusiasts and art lovers are invited to view the exhibition during its two-week run.
The exhibition is open to the public at the City of Windhoek Function Hall, also referred to as the Function Hall at the City of Windhoek Headquarters, located at the City of Windhoek municipal head office (Town House), 80 Independence Avenue, Windhoek, Khomas Region.
