About the NAA
Our Story
For eight decades, the Namibian Arts Association has been one of Namibia's longest-standing cultural institutions. We provide a platform for artists, present exhibitions, and steward the Arts Association Heritage Trust Collection. Today, the NAA connects heritage and contemporary practice through artist development, exhibitions, and public programmes that strengthen the role of art in Namibia.
Advancing Namibian Art
At the heart of the NAA are three principles: growing our membership, building strong partnerships, and expanding a diverse arts ecosystem.
Platform
We create opportunities, visibility, and support for Namibian artists through memberships, exhibitions, workshops, talks, public programmes, and wider exposure.
Safeguard
We protect Namibia's artistic heritage by documenting, digitising, archiving, exhibiting, and improving access to the Arts Association Heritage Trust Collection.
Professionalize
We help artists build sustainable careers through artist development programmes, regional workshops, networking opportunities, and advocacy for a stronger arts sector.
Board of Directors
Operations
Our History
75 Years of
Cultural Legacy
1948
2006
2016
2020
2021
2022
2025
2026
Art Association of Namibia Founded
The Arts Association of Namibia (AAN) is established in Windhoek, creating the first formal structure for visual arts in the country.
AAHT Heritage Trust Formed
The Arts Association of Namibia (AAN) is established in Windhoek, creating the first formal structure for visual arts in the country.
Reintroduced as NAA
The organisation is re-introduced as the Namibian Arts Association (NAA), a member-based organisation acting as governing body of the AAHT.
Section 21 Company
NAA becomes a Section 21 Not for Profit company under the Namibian Companies Act 28 of 2004 and acquires 122 Robert Mugabe Avenue
Building Renovation
Renovation of the newly acquired building begins in March 2021, transforming the space into a world-class gallery and cultural centre.
Grand Opening
The renovated NAA building opens its doors — a landmark moment for Namibian cultural infrastructure and the arts community.
Strategic Renewal
The NAA entered a new chapter with renewed governance and management leadership, a new strategic direction, and a more experimental programme of exhibitions and public events.
Platform. Safeguard. Professionalize.
The NAA launches the Artist Development Programme (ADP), introduces a new membership structure, begins digitizing the AAHT Collection, and unveils a redesigned website - marking a major step in advancing artists, preserving heritage, and strengthening public access to the arts.
Arts Association
Heritage Trust
Established in 2007 by the Namibian Arts Association, the Arts Association Heritage Trust (AAHT) is the legal custodian of the AAHT collection. Its role is to preserve, document, study, and exhibit the collection in the service of the public.
The collection brings together pioneer, contemporary, and post-independence works by artists such as Adolph Jentsch, John Muafangejo, Francois de Necker, Trudi Dicks, Joseph Madisia, Peter Strack, David Amukoto, Nangombe Kapanda, Peter Mwahalukange, and others, reflecting the depth and range of Namibia’s visual arts history.
Through exhibitions, research, and careful stewardship, the NAA administers and keeps this legacy accessible while connecting Namibia’s artistic past with present-day practice and future audiences.
1440+
Works in Collection
1948
Oldest Works
10+
Mediums Represented
Visit the NAA
Location
122 Robert Mugabe Avenue
Windhoek, Namibia
Gallery Hours
Mon–Fri: 10:00–17:00
Saturday: 10:00–14:00
Closed Public Holidays