About VAAM

Visual Arts Association of Malawi

Claim Mabuku, Top Floor, Haile Selasie Road, Blantyre, Malawi

Established 2013

Our History

The Visual Arts Association of Malawi (VAAM) was established in 2013 as a non-profit association for fine artists and hand crafts in Malawi. The association was founded by a group of dedicated visual artists who recognised the need for a unified body to represent and promote the interests of Malawi's creative community.

VAAM was officially incorporated under the Trustees Incorporation Act of the Laws of Malawi (Chapter 5:03), with its registered office at Claim Mabuku, Top Floor, Haile Selasie Road, Blantyre. Since its founding, the association has grown to serve artists across all four regions of Malawi: Southern, Central, Northern, and Eastern.

Today, VAAM continues to expand its reach through exhibitions, workshops, regional chapter activities, and our online marketplace platform, connecting Malawian artists with buyers and art lovers both locally and internationally.

VAAM History

Who We Are

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

To develop standards of excellence, increase competence, and support study, education, and research in the field of visual arts. To promote and preserve Malawi's visual arts heritage and protect the rights and interests of Malawi's visual artists.

Vision

To be the leading force in promoting, publishing, and disseminating Malawi's visual arts research and findings, while supporting and cooperating with other associations and institutions that share our objectives.

Values

Excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and cultural preservation guide everything we do. We believe visual arts have the power to transform lives, preserve heritage, and build stronger communities across Malawi.

The Executive

Our Leadership

The VAAM Executive consists of the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Vice Secretary, and Treasurer, each elected for a 3-year term by the National General Assembly.

VAAM Administrator

Administrator

Dedicated to advancing the visual arts community.

Across Malawi

Regional Chapters

VAAM operates across all four regions of Malawi with dedicated regional chapters

Southern Region

Managed by a regional committee with a chairman, deputy chairman, treasurer, secretary, and committee members.

Central Region

Each regional chapter holds elections and manages local activities, workshops, and events for members.

Northern Region

Regional chairpersons serve on the National Executive Committee, ensuring representation from all areas.

Eastern Region

Subcommittees include Social Welfare, Finance & Fundraising, Membership & Accreditation, and Education, Research & Marketing.

Our Goals

Objectives

As outlined in the VAAM Constitution

Standards of Excellence

Develop standards of excellence, increase competence, and support study, education, and research in the field of visual arts.

Promote Research

Promote, publish, and disseminate art research findings to advance the visual arts sector in Malawi.

Preserve Heritage

Promote and preserve Malawi's visual arts, protecting the cultural heritage of the nation for future generations.

Artists' Rights

Promote and protect the rights and interests of Malawi's visual artists, ensuring fair treatment and recognition.

Collaboration

Support, preserve, and cooperate with any other association or institution whose objectives align with ours.

Affiliation

Affiliated with COSOMA and other national and international bodies to further the interests of Malawian artists.