Conversation #004 - reflection on LoCA's Mosi oa Tunya Perennial launch

Collective Cares's co-leads - Luyando Muleya and Naoko Mabon - had a conversation reflecting on the launch of Mosi oa Tunya Perennial, the first mega-scale international exhibition in Zambia organised by Livingstone Office for Contemporary Art (LoCA). The Perennial runs from September 2026 to March 2027.

“This Perennial made me realise that I've always been a consumer of biennial, and how my mindset is completely immersed in this capitalistic framework of art making or exhibition making.” - Naoko

“What risks are being taken by local practitioners to be able to participate in the Perennial, as opposed to international guests like you who would be visiting from somewhere else. The grounds might be different.” - Luyando

“No one invited me. I don't have to be here. No one is looking for me either. I was almost in a survivor's mode. That's why I used the word risk and metaphor of encountering an elephant in a bush in my Instagram post.” - Naoko

“With apprenticeship, one has certain knowledge, opportunities and access to certain things, while younger ones have time for labour. It could be mutually beneficial especially in a context like Zambia with - I don't want to apologize but - a lack of art education, institutions or spaces.” - Luyando

More conversations to follow. Together we shape knowledge, meanings and relationships. Please join us and stay tuned.