The projects first cultural exchange happened in May 2023 where Ireland's first exhibition of contemporary Zambian Art would be part of the Irish government's Department of Foreign Affairs Africa Day celebrations in Dublin.

19 selected artworks were flown from Zambia to Dublin to be exhibited at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and the Irish Architectural Archive as part of Dublins Africa Day celebrations.

Creative Connections, an exhibition of contemporary visual art from Zambia, opened on Wednesday 24th May 2023 in The Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square East for four days to Saturday 27th May.

This landmark exhibition brings the work of three leading Zambian visual artists, Patrick Mumba, Mulenga Chafilwa and Mwamba Mulangala, to Dublin.

The paintings by Patrick Mumba, who is in Ireland for the exhibition, are concerned with the experience and reality of refugees, people in many places in the world forced to flee – from Congo into Zambia, across 2000km of desert, across the Mediterranean sea from Africa to Europe. In brilliant colours and deeply engaging paintings, Patrick Mumba captures the journeys made by refugees, their despair, exhaustion, the dangers faced, their hope and humanity.

Organised by Ballyfermot College of Further Education in partnership with Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka, the exhibition is supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Zambia.

“The Embassy is delighted to support this exhibition of Contemporary Zambian Visual Art where these three talented artists have an opportunity to bring their work to an Irish audience. The themes that the artists weave through their work – displacement, peace and conflict resolution, as well as the depictions of ordinary life - are themes which resound with both Irish and Zambian audiences. The Embassy is proud to support the long-standing partnership between Ballyfermot College of Further Education and Evelyn Hone College, a partnership focused on innovative education programmes in the creative arts sector in Zambia. The colleges are currently working together to deliver Diploma level courses in a broad range of creative fields including Animation, Music Performance and Graphic Design building on previous support.

Expanding cultural exchanges between Ireland and Zambia is central to the work of the Embassy. Our culture is a unique and globally-recognised strength. We will continue to promote Irish culture and heritage in Zambia, engaging with Zambian artists to reflect the best of both our countries. This exhibition marks the beginning of an exciting new phase. I thank all involved and look forward to further opportunities to build on our shared creativity.”

 Ambassador Bronagh Carr, Ambassador of Ireland to Zambia

Royal Hospital Kilmainham:

Individual and different in terms of style, approach and interest all three are highly socially committed artists:  

Patrick Mumba’s vibrant, powerful paintings in the exhibition reflect his current focus on the plight of refugees the world over. Taking as his starting the experience of Congolese refugees in Zambia the paintings reflect the daily reality of people forced to flee from their homes, running, seeking shelter, fearing for their lives. The paintings show the journeys made by refugees, the hunger, exhaustion of men, women and children, old and young, the loss of life, the arrests at border crossings, denial of entry. Most importantly, it shows people, in all their humanity, complexity, hopes, fears, and in their relationships to others. They are immediate and powerful. 

Patrick, as well as being one of Zambia’s foremost artists is also a teacher and Head of Education in Evelyn Hone College. He has been involved in the partnership with Ballyfermot College since 2008 and played a pivotal role in bringing ‘Creative Digital Media’ and ‘Audio & Music Technology’ Diplomas to Evelyn Hone College.

Mulenga Chafilwa is focussed on daily life. He is fascinated by everyday people going about their daily exploits of “just making life work”. His work is characterised by his observations of people and their everyday life in an ever changing and moving environment.

Mwamba Mulangala creates evocative work using a combination of conventional and quotidian materials from his immediate environment. His work is based on a personal inquiry into the rights and responsibilities of societies to survive and thrive, including the relationships within and between them. This includes the fight for access to equal opportunities, peace and conflict resolution, political retribution as well as the spiritual realm.