Lubumbashi // Johannesburg

Picha is an initiative promoting artistic research and production, taking urban spaces as a stage and images as media. Picha aims to add an artistic perspective to the gaze of those who observe the city of Lubumbashi, its history and its present complexities, with critical lenses informed with a strongly local and at the same time globally conscious approach. The organisation grew up through the six editions of Lubumbashi Biennale, initiated in 2008, and the Art Center, which opened its doors in 2010.

Atelier Picha is Picha’s ongoing education and exhibition programme focused on the production and circulation of artworks developed in the city of Lubumbashi and educational activities. These are based on learning-by-doing for young practitioners through lectures and individual mentorship lead by artists from different backgrounds.

Due to the disruption of the pandemic, Picha adapted the programme for distance learning, organised in partnership with Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg. The activities ran between September and November 2020 and focused on photography training. They were held at Picha’s spaces via internet streaming and — eventually — in the participants’ studios and in the city. The Market Photo Workshop provided facilitators, photographers and teachers to lead the training, portfolio reviews and mentor the participants towards a final presentation in December 2020.