Street markets in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, are fuelling a significant boom in the creative industry amid limited commercialization opportunities for local artists.
In Windhoek’s central business district, Christina Omole has transformed a public space into an open-air gallery, showcasing jewelry, handicrafts, and textiles at her makeshift stall. “This is where the creative arts pulse with life, creating entrepreneurial opportunities for local artists,” said the veteran artist in her 70s.
Omole has been trading in this space since 1990, which remains her primary means of generating income from her artwork. “For 35 years, this space has been my way out. If I were to leave, I wouldn’t know where to sell because there are limited platforms for trading artworks in Namibia. So I stay,” she told Xinhua.
When Omole started, she mainly sold handmade crafts. But the supply value chain evolved as time went by. “At first, I only offered jewelry, but customers also wanted wood carvings. I developed a network of local carvers,” she said.
The Namibian elder is not alone in making a living from creativity. At another bustling street market along Independence Avenue, Windhoek’s longest street, Denzel Oshondili carries on a family tradition of selling art. “My grandmother started selling art products in town 35 years ago. Now that she’s older and focusing on production, I oversee the sales,” said Oshondili, who is in his 30s.
Like Omole’s, some of the products at Oshondili’s stall are home-made, while others are sourced from abroad. The artists have forged partnerships with creators from countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, to offer in-demand items that they cannot craft themselves.
The items sold are usually small for convenience in carrying and use. “Most of our clients are tourists looking for souvenirs. We consider size and items that people can easily buy,” Oshondili said.
