Zimba-Arts specializes in handmade fair-trade art from Africa, made from recycled sustainable materials. Zimba-Arts is located in Culemborg, in the center of the Netherlands. The company’s founder and CEO, Shadreck Huni, is a Dutchman with Zimbabwean roots, who financed his studies in the Netherlands by making and selling traditional Zimbabwean art. His artwork gained popularity at European art markets, festivals and trade shows. Therefore, he decided to help young people in his home country by importing handmade artwork from Zimbabwe, where 72% of the population is living in poverty. This seed has grown into Zimba-Arts, a company that now supplies over 400 retailers in European countries. Shadreck works with artists in the suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, making their art accessible beyond the African market. Since 2014, Zimba- Arts also collaborates with artists in Ongata Rongai, on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. Shadreck believes in the potential of these young artists, and supports them towards a sustainable income. While prioritizing business management and financial planning, Shadreck encourages focus on education: 10% of the revenue is secured for the school fees of the artists’ children. Shadreck regards the youth as the future of Africa, whose academic achievements will help towards a better society.
Did you know?
Most developing countries have no official recycling system, but an informal recycling sector. Individuals retrieve reusable materials from local landfills and resell them; thus benefiting the environment while financially supporting those in need. Over 15 million people in developing countries survive by salvaging recyclables. Zimba-Arts supports these communities, by repurposing these salvaged materials into art.
Recycled Metal Art from Zimbabwe
Each Zimbabwean sculpture is made from scrap metal – oil drums, cars, washing machines, refrigerators, stoves – salvaged from the landfills. The metal is burned to remove paint and rust, cut to specification, and welded to create the designed sculptures. The art is then varnished, painted, varnished again and finally left to dry under the African sun. The finished pieces are sent from Zimbabwe to the Netherlands, onto the European market – and brought into your home.
Sustainable Wooden Art from Kenya
Our wooden artwork is made from the fast-growing Jacaranda tree, a multi-purpose wood obtained sustainably from Machakos and Kiambu counties. By using this “good” softwood, forest degradation is prevented, by saving the hardwood species. This secures future wood supplies for the carving industry, and provides a viable income for Kenya’s wood carving artists.
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