Artisans turn waste into Murano-Style glass

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN artisans, many of whom live with disabilities, are showcasing glass pieces made from recycled materials at an exhibition in Dar es Salaam.

The event, Glass Bridge – Murano Meets Shanga, runs at Rangi Gallery until April 4, 2026. The project pairs the artisans from Shanga in Arusha with Italian master glassmakers from Murano.

Led by designer Emmanuel Babled, the collaboration has focused on skills transfer and the creation of vases combining Italian techniques with locally sourced recycled materials.

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The exhibition also features lighting by Italian company Foscarini, merging European craftsmanship with Tanzanian creativity. Organisers say it demonstrates how discarded materials can be turned into functional art while providing artisans with an international platform.

Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Sean Coppola said the project promotes inclusion, environmental awareness and the value of artisans with disabilities. Rangi Gallery Director Nona Mashiba invited the public to view the exhibition and experience the collaboration firsthand.