(Some
of the charming locally-made Christmas decorations now in stock)
South Africa’s longest surviving organisation
involved in the development and promotion of African artists and crafters is
entering a new phase in its rich 57 year history. In early October, the African
Art Centre moved to 15 Station Drive, in the heart of one of Durban’s
fast-growing cultural hubs.
“This move is partly an adaptive response
to the prevailing economic climate and the need to be resilient during challenging
times. During its 57 years of existence the Centre has had three “homes”:
firstly Guildhall Arcade in Gardener Street, then the Tourist Junction in the
old Railway Station, and then Florida Road where we have been for the last 10
years. Each space allowed the Centre to grow, develop and more especially take
on an identity relevant for its time in history. Today, the move to Station
Drive, this beautiful and warm space which meets our current needs, is reviving
a new creative and fresh impetus not just with our existing crafters, artists
and designers but is also opening up an engagement with a new community.” says
Magdalene Reddy, the Director of the African Art Centre.
The
vision of the African Art Centre is to create an enabling environment for the
sustainable development of artists and crafters with a special focus on
KwaZulu-Natal. The focus now is to strengthen economic opportunities for local
KZN artists through training and development initiatives, regular exhibitions,
and enhanced retail strategies.
The African Art Centre’s chairperson, Yanni
Vosloo, says this about the move: “We are excited to bring the African Art
Centre to a new audience whilst still serving our loyal supporters. The board
and the Centre’s team have a strategic priority to preserve our cultural
history through evolving who we are, as well as how our crafters and artists
express themselves in a contemporary manner. I am delighted that our new home
in Station Drive will be integral to the process of remaining relevant as an
organisation.”
To kick off the exhibition programme, the
African Art Centre is inviting local KZN artists to participate in a
Celebratory Exhibition which will open on the First Thursday in December. Durban
art lovers will be treated to a new exhibition every month, which will form
part of Station Drive’s First Thursdays activation.
For more details contact the African Art
Centre on 031 312 3804/5, email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za or go to
www.afriart.org.za
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