OZAP and Oriel launch sculpture competition

The winning sculpture will be the centrepiece of an artistic and educational exhibition at Oriel continuing the College’s work in contextualising the contested history of colonialism in Zimbabwe and legacy of Cecil Rhodes.

OZAP will organise and host this artistic and educational exhibition from September to December 2025 at Oriel College and then the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. The exhibition is expected to visit other universities and venues including in Zimbabwe.

Lord Mendoza, CBE, Provost of Oriel College, will chair the competition judging panel. He commented: “Through the partnership between Oriel College and OZAP, we look to foster dialogue, education and understanding. The competition and exhibition will explore the shared history of Oxford and Zimbabwe and demonstrate the transformative potential of creativity.”

Oxford Zimbabwe Arts Partnership was set up in 2020 as a creative and constructive response to the Oxford Rhodes Must Fall campaign and at the time of Black Lives Matter. It is a small community group founded between artists in east Oxford and Harare area in Zimbabwe. 

Richard Pantlin, Founder of OZAP, says “We are looking forward to working with Oriel College on this competition and exhibition. This is an important step forward in creating a partnership that provides educational and cultural benefit.”

Find more information about the sculpture competition and OZAP.