Patiala, May 22
As a significant cultural initiative in the run-up to the upcoming 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), an international painters’ camp—featuring renowned artists from African nations—is being organized at NZCC’s Head Quarter, Virsa Vihar Centre, Patiala, under the aegis of the North Zone Cultural Centre and in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit will be hosted jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India in New Delhi on May 31, 2026. As part of the summit’s cultural outreach programme, one eminent visual artist/painter from each of the 54 African countries has been invited to India. During their stay, the participating artists are visiting select destinations across the country and creating paintings and sketches inspired by the broad theme, “India through the Lens of Africa.”
Bhupinder Singh, Administrative Officer, NZCC informed that during their stay in Patiala, the artists visited prominent heritage and cultural sites of the city, including Sheesh Mahal; NS NIS; Govt. Mohindra College; Quila Mubarak; famous Kali Mata Temple; Gurudwara Dukhniwaran Sahib and other important landmarks, where they interacted with local art, architecture, history and cultural traditions. The visits offered the artists an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Punjab and draw inspiration for their creative works.
The painters’ camp at Virsa Vihar Kendra is witnessing the participation of renowned artists from African nations namely, Edith Wasserfall from Namibia, Anita Pearl Mwinnabang Ankor from Ghana, Keith Zenda from Zimbabwe and Stary Mwaba from Zambia.
The camp provides an important platform for artistic dialogue, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration between India and African countries. The participating artists are capturing India’s diverse cultural heritage, traditions, landscapes and everyday life through their unique artistic perspectives.
The artworks created during this cultural engagement will be showcased during and after the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and growing partnership between India and Africa through the medium of art and culture.
