Namibian Artists Donate Over 90 Artworks to Cuba

Namibian Artists Donate Over 90 Artworks to Cuba

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More than 30 Namibian artists opened a solidarity exhibition in Windhoek on October 26, 2026, contributing over 90 artworks to fund medical supplies and solar power kits for rural health centers in Cuba amid severe energy shortages.

Exhibition Surpasses Goals with 90 Artworks Donated

When organizers at the Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie put out a public call for contributions to the Art for Cuba exhibition, they hoped to gather perhaps 20 pieces. Instead, the response from across the country overwhelmed expectations. Over 30 Namibian artists donated more than 90 individual artworks in a wide range of mediums, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, stone, steel, textiles, ink, and ceramics.

NAMIBIAN ARTISTS UNITE TO SUPPORT CUBA THROUGH FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION – nbc

Established figures of the Namibian art scene are exhibiting alongside first-time exhibitors at the gallery, located at 18 Bell Street in Windhoek’s Southern Industrial Area. A mural painted on the exterior walls will remain at the venue after the event concludes.

Historical Ties and Cuba’s Energy Crisis

The fundraising drive supports the national campaign, Namibians in Solidarity with the People of Cuba. Proceeds from the artwork sales are earmarked to purchase essential medical supplies and solar power kits for rural health centers in Cuba, where a severe fuel and electricity crisis has forced medical staff to work under difficult conditions and struggle to stock shelves.

Thousands of Namibians received education and training from Cuba—notably on the Isle of Youth, where many studied to become healthcare professionals and doctors—following Havana’s backing of Namibia’s fight for liberation. Namibia and Cuba established formal diplomatic relations in 1990 following independence.

When Namibia needed friends, Cuba came. Now it is our turn.

Marcii Magson, director at Bellhaus Atelier & Galerie

Visual artist, musician, and cultural activist Ndasuunje “Papa” Shikongeni noted that the exhibition serves to show other countries what Cuba did during the country’s revolutionary struggle.

GMN INTERVIEW | ART FOR CUBA EXHIBITION – nbc

Payment Models and Fundraising Goals

The gallery set a fundraising target of 100,000 Namibian dollars, equivalent to about 6,000 U.S. dollars.

  • Donated works: 80% of sale proceeds go directly to the solidarity fund, while 20% goes to the gallery.
  • Commission sales: The proceeds are split three ways, with 40% allocated to the fund, 40% going to the creator, and 20% retained by the gallery.

Online donations and remote art purchases opened through the gallery’s website on October 26. Bellhaus plans to disburse payments to participating artists by November 20 and transfer the campaign’s share of the proceeds by November 30. It remains unknown whether the 100,000-dollar target will ultimately be met.

Diplomats Attend Opening Night Event

The opening night brought together diplomats, politicians, and community members. Namibia’s Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially opened the exhibition, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two nations.

True friendship is measured not only by the support we receive in times of need but also by our willingness to extend that same support to others.

Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of Namibia

Cuban Ambassador to Namibia Sergio Luis Vigoa de la Uz thanked the organizers and artists, stating that the initiative demonstrates how culture and human sensitivity can be placed at the service of a cause rooted in solidarity.

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