DBG ARTWORKS 2011

The Durban Botanic Gardens have announced that it will once again host an outdoor art exhibition in the Gardens. Traditionally, this exhibition has taken place over the same weekend as the Botanical Society Plant Fair in September but unfortunately this date has had to be changed as a large function will take place at the lake over this period.

“We have chosen November 27 because it falls at the same time as the international Climate Change Conference COP17,” explains Colleen Dewar of the Friends of the Durban Botanic Gardens. “We are hoping to have international visitors to the Gardens and it is just before Christmas when art works will make wonderful gifts.

“We are not making it a stipulation, but we are suggesting that if artists have any artwork which can in some way relate to Climate Change, then that would make a statement,” she continues. “We may look at adding some musicians playing under the palm trees, we may create a kids creative zone to paint and draw, maybe a floral display/exhibit which tells the story of climate change and the disastrous consequences – drought, extinction, severe weather patterns etc.”

Apart from the new ideas and date change, the exhibition will run as in the past. New artists are invited to participate and any musicians willing to pay for no fee should contact the organisers.

Site space will be limited so artists wishing to participate should also contact the organisers as soon as possible to book their space. The cost will be R50 per site (measuring approx. 5m X 5m) and allocation will be on a first-come-first-served basis, depending on how many participants are involved.

An application form will be sent to all those interested in taking part. This will indicate banking details which will enable participants to lodge their fee direct into the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust bank account. This information will be relayed at a later date.

DBG Artworks 2011 will take place on November 27 from 09h00 to 16h00 near the Lake in the Durban Botanic Gardens. Please contact Coleen Dewar on 031 202 5819 or preferably email: friends@durban.gov.za