Lesotho’s vibrant creative scene is once again set to take center stage as renowned pencil artist Uncle Donze prepares to host the highly anticipated 2nd Edition of the Lesotho Art Fair.
The event is to be held in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) and Selemo Sa Basotho, is scheduled for Sunday, 10 August 2025, at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre and promises to be a colourful celebration of Basotho art, culture, and innovation.
The Lesotho Art Fair has grown into one of the country’s most prominent platforms for visual artists, designers, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs.
This year’s edition will bring together both emerging and established creatives for a full-day exhibition and showcase that will include live painting, traditional music and dance, fashion parades, photography, crafts, and food stalls.
Speaking about the origins of the Art Fair, Uncle Donze shared that the idea was born after attending the prestigious Investec Cape Town Art Fair. “I saw how powerful such a platform was in promoting creativity,” he said. “And I thought, why not bring this to Lesotho? I believed it could spark interest, create opportunities, and promote art and creativity within our own country.”
The journey to establishing the Art Fair has not been without its challenges. “It was the first event of its kind in Lesotho, so of course there were hurdles,” Donze admitted. “But the turnout for the first edition was surprisingly promising, and that gave me the motivation to continue with a second and now a third edition.”
More than just an exhibition, the Lesotho Art Fair aims to create a sustainable creative economy in the country. “Lesotho is a country with a lot of untapped creativity,” Donze emphasised. “We need platforms like this to showcase Basotho’s artistic talent. It also inspires upcoming artists, showing them that their work matters.”
The event is also strategically supported by LTDC, aligning with its goal to promote cultural tourism as a key pillar of economic development. By merging art with tourism, the Art Fair highlights the country’s unique identity and positions it as a creative destination in the region.
Donze believes that the creative industry could play a transformative role in Lesotho’s socio-economic development. “The industry has huge potential,” he said. “With the right support and more initiatives like this fair, it can help reduce unemployment and even generate revenue. Art fairs also create networking opportunities among artists, galleries, collectors, and stakeholders, opening doors for growth and collaboration.”
The involvement of Selemo Sa Basotho adds a cultural depth to the event, ensuring that while the fair celebrates modern creativity, it remains rooted in tradition. Visitors can look forward to traditional storytelling sessions, performances in cultural attire, and indigenous food experiences.
Uncle Donze closed with a message to young aspiring artists: “Keep going. Keep creating. There’s space for your work, your story, your perspective. The art world is not just for the elite, it’s for everyone with a voice, and I encourage young artists to take up space and use every opportunity that comes their way.”
With its unique blend of cultural pride and artistic innovation, the 2nd Lesotho Art Fair is set to be a landmark event that continues to empower artists, attract attention, and build a thriving creative community in the Mountain Kingdom.
Summary
- The event is to be held in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) and Selemo Sa Basotho, is scheduled for Sunday, 10 August 2025, at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre and promises to be a colourful celebration of Basotho art, culture, and innovation.
- The art world is not just for the elite, it’s for everyone with a voice, and I encourage young artists to take up space and use every opportunity that comes their way.
- With its unique blend of cultural pride and artistic innovation, the 2nd Lesotho Art Fair is set to be a landmark event that continues to empower artists, attract attention, and build a thriving creative community in the Mountain Kingdom.
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