ARTAZI ARTS GALLERY

The official opening of the new Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Art Gallery took place last week at the IDC headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg; showcasing art of up-and-coming artists in South Africa. The project is one of the corporate social investment initiatives supported by the IDC. The exhibition Celebration of Democracy includes pieces from many passionate local artists, such as Soweto-born Abe Mathabe.

“The opening of the art gallery is a significant milestone for the IDC considering the history of the IDC’s involvement in developing a vibrant and sustainable art industry,” says Geoffrey Qhena, IDC’s Chief Executive Officer. “The arts sector in South Africa has a turnover of nearly R2 billion. This is indeed a huge contribution to the country, both in terms of the economy and job creation.”

Even though the arts industry is a major contributor to the economy of South Africa, the industry still has resource constraints that hinder its progress. “The intention of this gallery is to provide a platform for previously disadvantaged artists to showcase their work and to access a channel to sell their creations. Our objective in providing this platform for artists is to empower those at the bottom of the arts value chain and who still need nurturing; to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs,” says Qhena.

The gallery will permanently display the country’s talent. “IDC employees and visitors to our premises will be able to support these artists by purchasing their art.”

Artazi, a company whose focus is to promote black artists, crafters and designers, will manage the gallery on the IDC’s behalf. They will ensure that the benefit of this project flows down to the individual artists.

The IDC is a South African state-owned national development finance institution that provides funding for industrial capacity development. Its aim is to contribute to the creation of balanced, sustainable economic growth in South Africa and the rest of the continent. The IDC aims to be the primary source of commercially sustainable industrial development and innovation to benefit both South Africa and the rest of Africa.

More information from Mandla Mpangase, Public Relations Manager, on 011 269 3282 or 082 591 8274 or email: mandlam@idc.co.za