The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania has donated “Sharpeville”, a historic artwork by the late Tanzanian based artist Doreen Mandawa, to the National Museum of Tanzania in a gesture celebrating art, heritage, and cultural partnership.
The symbolic handover, held in Dar es Salaam, was attended by diplomats, art professionals, and cultural stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking during the event, the Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, said Mandawa’s legacy embodies the power of artistic freedom and social reflection.
“Artists like Doreen are essential to every nation. They help us see what we overlook and challenge us to feel what we fear,”
Ambassador Tinnes said. “Freedom in art allows society to breathe when artists are silenced, we all suffocate.”
She explained that the donation was made possible through Dag Nissen, a former Norwegian Embassy colleague who met Mandawa in 1980 and acquired the painting directly from her.
The piece, “Sharpeville”, was created in memory of the tragic Sharpeville Massacre of March 21, 1960, when South African demonstrators were killed for protesting against apartheid laws.
Ambassador Tinnes added that the handover reflects Norway’s broader commitment to strengthening cultural ties and safeguarding artistic works that preserve shared human stories.
Adelaide Selema, Acting Director of the National Museum of Tanzania, expressed gratitude for the donation, calling it an important addition to the museum’s permanent collection.
“We are deeply honored to receive this painting,” Selema said. “It will allow visitors to connect with its history and meaning. Our role as a museum is to collect, preserve, and showcase artworks that carry cultural and educational value.”
She added that the painting will be displayed as part of the museum’s permanent exhibit, where visitors can reflect on both its artistic beauty and historical significance.
About Doreen Mandawa
Born in Scotland in 1929, Doreen Mandawa studied at Sunderland College of Art before relocating to Tanzania in 1964, where she lived and worked for over fifty years.
Mandawa became one of the most influential figures in Tanzania’s visual arts scene, celebrated for her impressionistic style and her dedication to mentoring young artists.
Her work often explored themes of social justice, identity, and humanity, capturing the energy and color of East African life.
In 2019, the National Museum of Tanzania hosted a special exhibition honoring Mandawa’s contributions to art, coinciding with both her 90th birthday and the museum’s 90th anniversary.
She passed away in 2021, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire new generations of creators.
Norway has long supported Tanzania’s creative industries, recognizing art as a key force for dialogue, innovation, and community development.
Through partnerships with organizations such as Nafasi Art Space, Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA), and other cultural platforms, Norway continues to promote freedom of expression and cross-cultural collaboration.
These initiatives empower artists to engage with themes such as democracy, human rights, gender equality, and climate change demonstrating how creativity can shape a more inclusive and forward-looking society.