The All Afrika Village, a project by Dzimbanhete Arts & Culture Interactions (DACI), emerged from the urgent need to preserve and evolve African knowledge systems, aesthetics, and community-based innovation in architecture, art, and daily life. Rooted in Zimbabwe’s rural-urban interface, the village was initiated as a living space of cultural memory and creative experimentation. Since 2008, DACI has served as a gathering space for artists, thinkers, and makers; responding to the fragmentation of traditional practices and the need for a platform that nurtures cultural continuity. Over time, the idea of a Creative Village, a dedicated space for contemporary art, design, and architectural expression became critical. The urgency lies in the lack of proper infrastructure for showcasing and producing art in rural Africa, especially structures that reflect both modern sensibilities and indigenous knowledge. In 2021, German architect Kristina Ziadeh joined the initiative, drawn by DACI’s communal ethos and ecological approach. Her PhD research at the Technical University of Berlin aligned with DACI’s vision, leading to a collaborative design of the Creative Village, featuring an art gallery and studio spaces. The shovel-ready design reflects deep engagement with local context, values, and climate, and it now seeks support to be brought to life.

The Creative Village will be a lasting anchor for cultural, educational, and economic growth at Dzimbanhete. It will provide vital infrastructure for artists and makers to create, exhibit, and exchange knowledge; building a self-sustaining cultural ecosystem rooted in African values and innovation. With dedicated gallery and studio spaces, the project opens long-term opportunities for workshops, artist residencies, cultural exchanges, and local training programs. We anticipate engaging over 300 local youths and artisans annually through skills development in art, design, and sustainable building practices. The project also strengthens Dzimbanhete’s role as a cultural hub, attracting both local and international visitors, which is expected to increase foot traffic by 40%, creating income-generating opportunities for surrounding communities in hospitality, guiding, and crafts.

Qualitatively, the project fosters a deep sense of pride and identity, empowering communities to define and present their narratives. It revives intergenerational learning, where elders, youth, and artists come together to innovate from tradition. The gallery and studios become more than buildings; they are communal spaces of inspiration, healing, and visibility. Over time, this model can be replicated across rural Africa, proving that culturally grounded architecture and the arts can power development, not just reflect it.

The Creative Village is led by a diverse, community-rooted team committed to culture, learning, and indigenous design. Chikonzero Chazunguza, Founder and Creative Director of DACI, is a visual artist and educator who created the platform to foster cultural continuity through contemporary expression.
Watch: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2997264117168227

Jonathan Dube (Samaita), a traditional healer and Cultural Director, embeds ancestral knowledge into the Creative Village's vision.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynj3e1n5AX8

Rutendo Bako, an artist and media practitioner, is the Arts Administrator, with expertise in creative programming and community engagement.
See: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rutendo-bako-3a803035/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTlUHjRqwHo

Dr. Kristina Ziadeh, a German architect, co-designed the Creative Village with local artisans. Her PhD focuses on vernacular, climate-responsive architecture at the Technical University of Berlin.
See: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.egbers/ | https://www.instagram.com/studio__.__k/

Manasa Chimedza, Finance Manager, ensures the financial integrity of the project.

Sabina Mutsvati, an experienced community coordinator, drives local engagement, logistics, and women's mobilization.
Follow: https://www.facebook.com/sabina.mutsvati

The team is supported by DACI’s extended network of elders, families, youth, artists and, who continue to shape the project with lived knowledge and collective care.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/dzimbanhetearts/

published PhD of Dr. Kristina Ziadeh about the culture-based design of the Creative Village
Creative Village proposed site