Welcome to the Muholi Art Institute

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About Us

Sir. Zanele Muholi
(Founding Director)

The Muholi Art Institute is a dynamic space dedicated to fostering creativity, critical dialogue, and cultural exchange. Inspired by the vision of internationally acclaimed visual activist Sir. Zanele Muholi, the institute exists as a platform where art is not only created but also celebrated as a tool for education, empowerment, and social change.

Grounded in a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Muholi Art Institute serves as a hub for emerging and established artists, researchers, and communities who seek to explore the intersections of art, identity, and activism. Our programs highlight voices that are often overlooked, placing a spotlight on narratives of race, gender, sexuality, and history within local and global contexts.

Through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and public programs, we nurture spaces of learning and collaboration that extend beyond traditional art practice. The institute is home to diverse collections, archives, and resources that preserve stories for future generations, while also opening opportunities for experimentation and innovation today.

At its core, the Muholi Art Institute is more than an institute or an NGO—it is a community. We believe in the transformative power of art to challenge perceptions, spark conversations, and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Changing the world is possible. We’ve done it before.

We are a creative hub dedicated to visual arts education and social impact. Through training in film, photography, and painting, we empower emerging artists to tell their own stories and shape the world around them.

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Our Impact Reaches Beyond Borders

Our work has extended beyond borders through international travel and cultural exchange programs, enabling our participants to engage with global art communities, share their stories, and learn from diverse creative practices.

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“Art is not just about creating—it’s about passing on the power to see, to frame, to witness. When I hand someone a camera, I am not giving them a tool, I am giving them a voice, a chance to tell their story, to claim their own truth.”

— Zanele Muholi

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