The Space Botswana has once again placed the spotlight on artistic excellence and community impact with the announcement of the second edition of the No.1 Art Award, this coming week. This year, two artists, Moses XhaXhao and Robinson Morris “Jah Works” have been selected for their powerful storytelling through art and meaningful contributions to their communities.
“This year we have got two winners,” said Atang Arnold, the founder of The Space Botswana. “The first winner that has been selected that I’m telling you now is Moses. So, Moses is a bushman. He had been very, very active in his prime time and he has traveled to London. He’s also a print maker; He’s one of the people that started off with Kuru Arts in Ghanzi.”
Moses Xhaxhao’s works have reached global audiences, even being housed in archival collections and auction houses. His deep cultural roots and expressive works continue to reflect the spirit of his heritage.
The second artist under consideration is Robinson Morris, popularly known as Jah Works. Arnold praised his consistent presence in local events and his uplifting contributions, especially for children.
“He’s always doing face painting for kids. So, for me that is also something that’s very great because as a child, you know, once you put activities like that, they are quite nostalgic as you grow up. He’s reaching out to kids through face painting and it also makes it nicer for the parents to leave their kids behind.”
Sir Alexander McCall Smith, the celebrated author of The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, is set to return to Botswana to personally present the Impact Award during the ceremony. Arnold revealed that last year’s winner, Boifhang Samaje, will be joining McCall Smith’s entourage on a creative retreat to a, scheduled from 21st to 27th.
“He will be painting and collaborating in an immersive art retreat with Sir Alexander McCall Smith,” Arnold shared.
Additionally, artists Boifhang Samaje and Odirele Setshwantso will create live visual interpretations inspired by McCall Smith’s novels during the award’s gallery opening at The Space Between, including iconic motifs like Mma Ramotswe’s fruitcake and typewriter.
The No.1 Art Award continues to grow, much like The Space Botswana itself. From its modest beginnings in a shipping container, The Space has blossomed into a regional art hub. Arnold reflects on the journey with a deep sense of pride and personal connection:
“The Space for me is a dream that I’ve been dreaming of and it came to life. From just having a shipping container to having a couple of artworks in there to even the furniture growing, the books growing, the community.”
Despite economic challenges causing a decline in full-time artists, The Space has expanded its reach. Notably, they’ve exhibited five female Southern African artists in Miami, engaged with Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, and launched new branches: The Space Ethiopia and The Spaces Africa.
“It’s not only just about it itself. It’s about having the same model—dealing with communities… people like me because I am a product of The Space and I am The Space.”
Arnold emphasized the vision and meaning behind the name “The SPACE,” which stands for Sustainable Practical Art Connecting Everyone Environmentally.
“I like the fact that some people come in and say, ‘You know what? I came with a heavy heart, but I leave now dropping all my baggage at the door.’ And I just like how therapeutic The Space is.”
In closing, Arnold reflected on a recent trip to Ethiopia, where she launched The Space Ethiopia. The experience offered both inspiration and a renewed sense of gratitude for Botswana.
“We even got mugged, but at the end of the day, it was just like, you know, we’re all going through so many things. The least thing we can do is be kind.”
The No.1 Art Award continues to be more than an accolade it is a celebration of culture, connection, and creativity at the heart of Botswana’s thriving art scene.
