Street artists have turned public spaces into thriving businesses across Windhoek, Namibia's capital. These markets help local creators earn money despite limited opportunities to sell their work through traditional channels. Christina Omole runs an outdoor gallery where she displays jewelry, crafts, and textiles at her simple stand in the downtown area.
Omole tells people her makeshift shop brings life to creative arts and creates jobs for local artists. She has sold her artwork here since 1990, making this spot her main source of income for 35 years. She stays because she sees no other places to sell her creations in Namibia.
Her business changed over time. When she started, Omole only offered handmade jewelry. Later, as customers asked for wooden items, she built relationships with local carvers to meet these needs. Other artists share similar stories of adaptation and growth through these street markets.
Denzel Oshondili continues his family legacy by selling art along Independence Avenue, the longest street in Windhoek. His grandmother began selling art products 35 years ago. As she aged, she focused on making items rather than selling them, passing the sales role to her grandson, who appears to be in his thirties.
Both Oshondili and Omole make some products at home but buy others from different countries. They partner with artists from Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to provide popular items they cannot yet create themselves. Most products remain small because tourists want souvenirs they can carry easily.
The money earned varies greatly from day to day. Sometimes, sellers make more than 3,000 Namibian dollars, about 164 U.S. dollars. Other days bring less cash, but Oshondili says the income still supports their basic needs. These markets help both experienced artists and newcomers like Selma David.
David began selling at the art market in 2022. Before finding this spot, she struggled to find buyers for her creations. She reports that her situation has improved and stabilized since joining the street market scene. Beyond making money, these artists have expanded what they offer and developed new ways to attract customers.
Oshondili credits custom orders as a key factor in his business success. Vendors also demonstrate how they create items such as jewelry for visitors. Omole explains these demonstrations give tourists a direct experience with the production process and help them appreciate Namibian art more deeply.
Tourism statistics show recovery after COVID-19 disrupted travel. International visitors to Namibia increased from 461,027 in 2022 to 863,872 in 2023. Isobel Manuel, who teaches hospitality and tourism at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, notes tourists have become more active participants rather than just observers.
Manuel points out tourists want to talk with locals and learn about cultural aspects of places they visit. This interest pushes Namibians to explore how art can boost tourism and help the economy grow. Despite success stories, artists face ongoing problems that make their work difficult at times.
Omole mentions inconsistent income as a challenge. She feels people undervalue art in Namibia but plans to continue her work for many years ahead. She recognizes she must adjust her approach to match what customers want. Artists express hopes of selling their creations globally through social media marketing to reach more buyers.
Omole tells people her makeshift shop brings life to creative arts and creates jobs for local artists. She has sold her artwork here since 1990, making this spot her main source of income for 35 years. She stays because she sees no other places to sell her creations in Namibia.
Her business changed over time. When she started, Omole only offered handmade jewelry. Later, as customers asked for wooden items, she built relationships with local carvers to meet these needs. Other artists share similar stories of adaptation and growth through these street markets.
Denzel Oshondili continues his family legacy by selling art along Independence Avenue, the longest street in Windhoek. His grandmother began selling art products 35 years ago. As she aged, she focused on making items rather than selling them, passing the sales role to her grandson, who appears to be in his thirties.
Both Oshondili and Omole make some products at home but buy others from different countries. They partner with artists from Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe to provide popular items they cannot yet create themselves. Most products remain small because tourists want souvenirs they can carry easily.
The money earned varies greatly from day to day. Sometimes, sellers make more than 3,000 Namibian dollars, about 164 U.S. dollars. Other days bring less cash, but Oshondili says the income still supports their basic needs. These markets help both experienced artists and newcomers like Selma David.
David began selling at the art market in 2022. Before finding this spot, she struggled to find buyers for her creations. She reports that her situation has improved and stabilized since joining the street market scene. Beyond making money, these artists have expanded what they offer and developed new ways to attract customers.
Oshondili credits custom orders as a key factor in his business success. Vendors also demonstrate how they create items such as jewelry for visitors. Omole explains these demonstrations give tourists a direct experience with the production process and help them appreciate Namibian art more deeply.
Tourism statistics show recovery after COVID-19 disrupted travel. International visitors to Namibia increased from 461,027 in 2022 to 863,872 in 2023. Isobel Manuel, who teaches hospitality and tourism at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, notes tourists have become more active participants rather than just observers.
Manuel points out tourists want to talk with locals and learn about cultural aspects of places they visit. This interest pushes Namibians to explore how art can boost tourism and help the economy grow. Despite success stories, artists face ongoing problems that make their work difficult at times.
Omole mentions inconsistent income as a challenge. She feels people undervalue art in Namibia but plans to continue her work for many years ahead. She recognizes she must adjust her approach to match what customers want. Artists express hopes of selling their creations globally through social media marketing to reach more buyers.
