(African Lily Double
Petal Beaded Necklace)
Since its inception in 1959, the African Art Centre has
committed itself to providing a supportive environment for artists and crafters
from previously marginalized communities in KwaZulu-Natal. A handful of beaders
from the Inanda Reserve, West of Durban, were the first group of crafters to
benefit from interventions by the African Art Centre.
Now, in its 50th year of existence, the African Art Centre
is about to launch its new range of beaded jewellery for 2015, which culminated
from a series of workshop facilitated by the Development Team for a group of
unemployed beading ladies from Bergville. A number of statement pieces and
additions to the Centre’s popular collections are bound to add the finishing
touches to any outfit. The new collection features something for all ages,
tastes and preferences.
Also on view at the African Art Centre is a new range of
ceramics by internationally well-known ceramist, Clive Sithole, who developed a
passion for traditional Zulu ceramics and firing techniques. Dominant in his works are the unique pot
shapes appropriated from Zulu traditional clay beer pots. Another first for the
African Art Centre are Frank Ntunya’s Headless
Chicken hand-coiled ceramic vessels.
“In addition to the work we do amongst the crafters from
KwaZulu-Natal, we work with fine artists, who have limited access to capital
and who have had very little or no formal art education,” says an African Art
Centre representative. “Our
interventions assist them in
maturing and progressing to a point where they are able to produce high
quality, innovative artworks on
an ongoing basis.”
Griffin Shea for CNN September 15, 2014 – rated the African
Art Centre as one of the top attractions in Durban for local craft and the
perfect place for gifts for tourists.
Every purchase made from the African
Art Centre provides income and employment for more than 600 crafters currently
supported by the Centre.
The African Art Centre is situated at 94 Florida Road,
Morningside. More information from the Director, Sharon Crampton, or the
Development Officer, Nozipho Zulu, on 031 312 3805 or email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za
or visit www.afriart.co.za
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