Plans are in hand
for the establishment and development of a
National Art Bank for South Africa.
The purpose of the National Art Bank (NAB) will be to identify and
purchase contemporary visual artwork from emerging and established South
African visual artists. The artworks will be leased for periods of two to three
years, particularly to South African government departments, for display within
their premises. This could be for administrative offices, reception areas and
conference facilities.
Targeted organisations include provincial offices from the Department of
Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of International Relations and
Co-operation, Department of Tourism and Department of Public Service and
Administration. It also includes institutions or organisations such as the
South African Weather Service, the Post Office, Human Sciences Research Council
and others.
There will be specific emphasis on NAB’s involvement in leasing art to
newly-built government buildings. In future the NAB will be
involved in the conceptualisation of new buildings, as to ensure that artwork
forms part of the building design. The NAB will prevent government departments
from ad-hoc purchases that do not contribute to the creation of a
substantial visual heritage and a collective image of the country.
In order for the collection to grow and not become too large or
stagnant, one third of the works will be sold after five years. This will
ensure that the NAB generates additional revenue and this income could be used
for acquisitions and administration of the NAB. It is envisaged that a
selection of the acquired work will form part of a contemporary art permanent
collection.
After sector consultation and research, the Department of Arts and
Culture (DAC) appointed a service provider to do specific research on the legal
aspects of establishing the NAB and to define the entity that would be required
to execute the functions of the proposed NAB. It was recommended in the report,
and adopted by DAC that the department enter into an agreement with Oliewenhuis
Art Museum, a satellite of the National Museum in Bloemfontein, to implement
the NAB concept, as the institution has the necessary skill and expertise.
For more
information, visit http://www.nasmus.co.za
Posts
