The MUHOLI Art Institute (MAI) is thrilled to announce its international Artist-in-Residence (AiR) programme in Panama, set to commence on January 14, 2026. In a dynamic collaboration with Panama’s Casa Santa Ana Foundation an organization dedicated to connecting people through art. MAI will bring a vibrant fusion of South African creativity to Panama City. Led by renowned visual activist and exhibitor Prof. Zanele Muholi, with production by Lufuno Ramadwa, this project promises to blend photography, music, dance, digital art, and film into a transformative cultural exchange.
This send-off marks a pivotal moment for South African arts, exporting the nation’s rich artistic heritage to new horizons while fostering global connections. The programme will document MAI’s Mobile AiR initiative, highlighting the PhotoXP training workshops, residency processes, exhibition development, public engagements, and the contextual presentation of Muholi’s iconic Faces & Phases series. Outputs will include documentary films and multi-platform content, designed to advance MAI’s archival, educational, institutional, and promotional goals.
A Melting Pot of Artforms: South Africa Meets the World
At the heart of this collaboration is a celebration of diverse artistic expressions. South African talents will converge with Panamanian creatives, creating a cross-cultural dialogue that transcends borders. The project features:
Photography and Visual Activism: Prof. Zanele Muholi’s work, including expansions to the Faces & Phases archive, which documents Black queer lives and histories.
Music and Performance: Contributions from opera singer Phumla Qampi, whose powerful vocals will infuse the program with emotional depth.
Dance: Dynamic performances by choreographer Lusanda Dayimani, blending traditional and contemporary movements.
Photo and film: Insights from Lindeka Qampi of Black Women in Photography, emphasizing ethical representation and community storytelling.
This fusion aims to showcase how art-forms rarely combined, visual arts with music and dance can create profound connections. The journey will also include stops in the USA en route to Panama City, amplifying South African voices on an international platform.
Prof. Zanele Muholi shared their vision: “Why is this important? We want to bring the visual arts along with music and dance from South Africa to the world. Not so many times such artforms are fused together. We want to create, connect, and embrace by showcasing and bringing different art forms.”
Dancer Lusanda Dayimani expressed excitement about the cross-cultural potential: “Dance is a universal language that breaks barriers. Collaborating in Panama allows us to weave South African rhythms with global narratives, inspiring new movements and fostering unity through shared expression.”
Opera singer Phumla Qampi highlighted the emotional resonance: “Music has the power to heal and unite. This project lets us carry South Africa’s stories through song, blending our operatic traditions with Panamanian influences to create something timeless and inclusive.”
Lindeka Qampi, representing Black Women in Photography, emphasized empowerment: “Photography captures truths that words alone cannot. In Panama, we’ll document Black women’s experiences with consent and cultural sensitivity, building a legacy that educates and elevates marginalized voices worldwide.”
Programme Highlights and Timeline
January 14 – 17, 2026: Kickoff with PhotoXP training, workshops, and mentorship sessions, capturing the foundational skills-sharing process.
January 18 – 22, 2026: Continued documentation of training and participant interactions, deepening creative collaborations.
January 23 – 28, 2026: Exhibition by Prof. Zanele Muholi and public opening at Casa Santa Ana, featuring live performances, screenings, and interactive engagements.
Invitation for Media Coverage and Interviews
As MAI prepares for departure on January 14, 2026, we invite South African media to engage with this story of cultural innovation. Interviews with Prof. Zanele Muholi, Lufuno Ramadwa, Lusanda Dayimani, Phumla Qampi, and Lindeka Qampi are available ahead of the trip to provide in-depth insights into the project’s significance. This is an opportunity to spotlight South Africa’s creative exports and their role in global connectivity.
For more information, high-resolution images, or to schedule interviews, please contact
