The arts community in Zimbabwe was plagued into mourning following the death of veteran arts administrator Ian White, who recently passed away in Bulawayo. White had been working with Nhimbe Trust in the city since 2017.
Before his move to Bulawayo, White was a significant figure in Harare's arts scene through his work with the iconic Book Café and Pamberi Trust. His move to Bulawayo was marked by an ambition to establish a similar hub for the arts, envisioned as "Bluez Cafe," though the project ultimately did not come to fruition.
Nhimbe Trust announced White's passing while acknowledging his commitment to building the arts in Bulawayo. In a heartfelt Facebook post accompanied by a 2017 picture of the late Cont Mhlanga welcoming White to Bulawayo, the organisation stated:
"Nhimbe Trust mourns the passing of Ian White, who joined the organisation in 2017 and relocated to Bulawayo, not an easy thing to do, but a huge commitment to building the arts and extending the Book Cafe concept to Bluez Cafe in the City of Kings. Unfortunately those plans were scuppered, but his experience was invaluable, and he will be well remembered by all those Bulawayo artists he engaged with. Rest in Peace, Ian."
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends. Arts administrator and former colleague Peny Yon described White as "a friend of artists," adding, "I am gutted. White, a dear friend, comrade, colleague of 20 years, a great leader, friend of artists, compassionate, selfless and kind. He will be sorely missed."
Bjorn Maes, another arts administrator, also shared his condolences, highlighting White's impact during his time with the Book Café and Pamberi Trust in Harare. "He made a dent in Zimbabwe with the Book Café, Harare and Pamberi Trust for many good years, supporting artists, young voices and daring starters. I enjoyed working with him on that team and in Bulawayo he worked his final stint with Nhimbe Trust in support of their projects with young artists, poets, players, musicians and other change makers. God rest his soul," Maes wrote.
Veteran arts administrator Raisedon Baya recounted his last encounter with White in a heartfelt Facebook post. He remembered seeing White outside the Art Gallery in Bulawayo before his death.
"Ian was simple. Humble. Soft spoken. Fair. A behind the scene person who made a lot of things happen without even claiming any of the success associated with the events he was part of," Baya wrote.
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He highlighted White's role in fostering collaborations between Pamberi Trust and Intwasa Arts Festival, particularly in bringing young Harare artists to Bulawayo. Baya also recalled the vision for Bluez Cafe.
Reflecting on their last meeting, Baya noted, "So Monday, I was surprised to see him (at the Art Gallery Bulawayo). He looked frail. But I dismissed the look - Ian always looked frail. I had no idea I was seeing him for the last time. I hear from the Gallery he collapsed and later died. Rest in Peace Ian. You played your part in the arts sector. They may not sing your name but those who know what you did for the sector will stop, pause for a moment and salute you."
