(Pic: Rukaiya Essa’s “KwaZulu-Natal Cacias")The Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is on the hunt for the best crafts in KwaZulu-Natal. (Article by Witness arts editor Estelle Sinkins, courtesy of The Witness)
As part of a project, made possible through sponsorship of the National Arts Council (NAC), crafters of all disciplines are invited to bring their work to the attention of the gallery team, who will be undertaking field trips across the province over the next few months.
“The aim of this project is to provide a platform to highlight the variety and richness of contemporary craft production in KZN,” says Tatham director Brendan Bell. “There are two main criteria that we are prioritising: the first is contemporaneity – works must reflect a contemporary feel even if fused with traditional media. We are hoping to strike a balance between superbly crafted indigenous craft items and pieces that defy categorisation – craft that is totally new and innovative. The other requirement, and this is paramount, is outstanding quality. The promotion of excellence in all areas of craft is a primary motivation behind this project, so superb standards of work are vital.
The gallery also plans to document and record exactly what crafts are being produced in the province for its reference database; and aims to produce a catalogue of works linked to a craft exhibition, which will be held at the Tatham Art Gallery in March 2011. This exhibition and catalogue will attempt to benefit selected crafters through linking them to appropriate potential buyers.
Items selected for exhibition may also be considered for inclusion in the Tatham Art Gallery’s permanent collection as donations from the NAC, as a way of continuing to develop the gallery’s collection of craft and craft-art items.
“The promotion of sustainable income for crafters is not easy,” adds Bell. “Most are makers, not marketers, and they rely on various outlets for their sales. Some of these are formal, such as craft shops and projects, tourist retail outlets etc, and some are informal, such as roadside stalls and craft markets.”
Those interested in being part in the project should phone Kobie at 033 392 2819, Pinky at 033 392 2811 or Thulani at 033 392 2823. Messages for the team can also be left with Judy Jordan, curator of the Carnegie Gallery, at 034 328 7622 or via email at gallery@newcastle.gov.za. – Estelle Sinkins, Witness Arts Editor
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