More than 20 Namibian artists have pledged original artworks for a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting Cuba.

The Art for Cuba exhibition, led by Bellahaus Gallerie founder Marci Magason, will open Monday next week.

Art has played a role in political expression, mobilisation and solidarity, including during Africa's liberation struggles.

From liberation songs to posters, banners and T-shirts, creative work has helped communicate political messages and mobilise communities around common causes.

At Bellahaus Gallerie, Namibian artists will exhibit with this tradition through the Art for Cuba initiative, which aims to raise funds for Cuba while supporting the country's creative industry.

Gallery founder Marci Magason explained that the gallery agreed to support the initiative by opening its space to artists and organising an exhibition and other fundraising activities.

“Cuba stood with Namibia during the struggle for independence. They raised more than 100 Namibians and educated more than 173 Namibian doctors. Even when Cuba faced its own challenges, it did not send these doctors back. Instead, it continued to support them. The history between Cuba and Namibia is incredibly special, and I think that is why it is very important for Namibia to support Cuba now. It is also heartbreaking to see what is happening in Cuba at the moment.

One of the participating artists is Ndasuunje Shikongeni, a member of the Namibian Cuba Solidarity Creative Industry and its fundraising committee.

Shikongeni noted that art has historically contributed to liberation movements and that the same form of expression can be used to support people beyond national borders.

“Art has always been at the forefront of liberation struggles in Africa. Although we may not always recognise it, music has played a significant role in liberation movements, with songs used to inspire and emancipate people. The same applies to visual art, which has also played a leading role in producing banners, posters and T-shirts for liberation movements.”

Shikongeni said Namibia's relationship with Cuba is one of the reasons artists have responded to the call for support.

Cuba supported Namibia during its struggle for independence and contributed to the training of Namibian professionals, including doctors.

Magason highlighted the historical ties between the two countries in the gallery's decision to support the initiative at a time when Cuba is facing economic difficulties.

Beyond raising funds for Cuba, the exhibition is intended to create opportunities for Namibia's creative industry.