Zomba Arts Platform selected for regional digital heritage programme

The programme brings together cultural and archival institutions across Southern Africa to rethink how archival materials can be accessed, interpreted, and experienced. Technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, spatial audio, and other immersive formats will be used to expand public access to heritage and strengthen networks of creators, archivists, technologists, and cultural producers.

Futures_Past is led by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, in partnership with Electric South, with funding from the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

As part of the programme, ZAP will work with the Music Crossroads Malawi Folksong Archive, a collection of 217 traditional songs documented from communities across Malawi. The archive will form the basis of an original immersive storytelling project, which will reinterpret selected materials using contemporary digital formats while contributing to national capacity in digital heritage innovation.

The project team includes producer Laura Schuerwegen, assistant producer Andrew Jere Kanthiti, creative director Matthew-Lusayo Chawinga (Matt the Creator), technologist Roosevelt Kasimba, assistant technologist Chikondi Nkhoma, and creative contributors Thandie Phiri, Andrew Chilonga (Redox), Christopher Ngala (Kris Base), and Kas Mdoka (Kas Art).

Through Futures_Past, the team will receive capacity development support, take part in regional knowledge exchanges, and participate in a mobility programme designed to enhance skills in immersive and digital arts practice.

ZAP stated that the partnership aligns with its ongoing commitment to preserving Malawi’s cultural memory while embracing emerging technologies to make heritage more accessible, engaging, and relevant, particularly for younger audiences.

The completed project will be showcased in 2026 as part of a regional exhibition highlighting cross-border collaboration and innovation in digital heritage practice.