African Art Centre
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Preserving our cultural heritage
Welcome to the African Art Centre
Our Objectives
The African Art Centre is a Section 21, non-governmental, not for profit organization that contributes to the development, promotion and appreciation of the works of artists and craftspeople. We do this by:
• providing innovative and creative skills development and training
• actively discovering, encouraging and nurturing works of creativity, originality and of the highest quality
• providing an outlet for the exhibition, sale and dispatch of artists’ and crafters’ work, based on the principles of fair trade
• assisting both young and established artists and crafters to become self-supporting by accessing funding for training, development, exhibitions and publicity
• communicating and documenting traditional and contemporary trends in art and craft
• preserving our cultural heritage
Our work is underpinned by the following principles:
• the right of all people to self expression
• the right of all people to working opportunities in order to earn a living
• the right of all people to respect and dignity
• the principles of fair trade
• the principle of nation building through the protection of our cultural heritage
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Preserving our cultural heritage
Welcome to the African Art Centre
Our Objectives
The African Art Centre is a Section 21, non-governmental, not for profit organization that contributes to the development, promotion and appreciation of the works of artists and craftspeople. We do this by:
• providing innovative and creative skills development and training
• actively discovering, encouraging and nurturing works of creativity, originality and of the highest quality
• providing an outlet for the exhibition, sale and dispatch of artists’ and crafters’ work, based on the principles of fair trade
• assisting both young and established artists and crafters to become self-supporting by accessing funding for training, development, exhibitions and publicity
• communicating and documenting traditional and contemporary trends in art and craft
• preserving our cultural heritage
Our work is underpinned by the following principles:
• the right of all people to self expression
• the right of all people to working opportunities in order to earn a living
• the right of all people to respect and dignity
• the principles of fair trade
• the principle of nation building through the protection of our cultural heritage
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Profile of the African Art Centre
Our History
“An organisation of excellence which changes the lives of artists and crafters by empowering them through innovative skills training, development and promotion.”
During the past 50 years the African Art Centre has provided thousands of artists and craftspeople with opportunities for self-employment and the realization of their talents. Originally a project of the South African Institute of Race Relations, the Durban African Art Centre has, since 1984, operated as an autonomous, non-profit organization. For the first three decades of its existence, it was guided by the late Jo Thorpe, who virtually single-handed, put Durban on the map as an important centre of black artistic development.
Today operating from premises in Florida Road, Durban the African Art Centre has adapted to the changed political, economic and artistic landscape and has expanded its operations. Through various marketing initiatives and with the assistance of our sponsors and supporters, we make every attempt to assists artists and crafters to tap into domestic, provincial, national and international markets. We persistently provide a supportive environment and direct numerous individuals towards financial empowerment and self sustainability. Our shop and gallery in Florida Road allows us to professionally showcase and promote the works of artists and crafters on an ongoing basis.
"An organisation of excellence"
The number of artists and crafters ‘discovered’ has increased exponentially over the past fifty years as have the returns they have realized through their talents. Development and training programs have grown in number and scope and have reached ever widening groups of individuals and communities, both in the geographical and sociological sense. Many African Art Centre artists have achieved international acclaim, including Azaria Mbatha, Tito Zungu, Gabisele Nkosi, William Zulu, Trevor Makhoba and Reuben Ndwandwe – however, thousands have had the quality of their lives dramatically improved through the recognition of their talents.
We work with some of the most economically disadvantaged people, who have limited access to capital, technology and resources and reach out to the poorest communities, rural men and women, the disabled, the unemployed, youth, HIV/AIDS affected persons and frustrated artists craving recognition. Our interventions assist these people in maturing and progressing to a point where they are able to produce high quality, innovative products on an ongoing basis.
The African Art Centre has a reputation, within South Africa and internationally for supplying specialized, high quality products and we are proud to be recognized as the longest surviving South African organization involved in the development and promotion of the work of artists and craft-workers. Every purchase made from the African Art Centre provides income and employment for more than 600 artists and crafters currently supported by the Centre.
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Preserve our cultural heritage
Our Services and Programmes
• Development, mentorship and skills training
• Discover, encourage and nurture works of creativity, originality and of the highest quality
• Access relevant markets
• Provide an outlet for the exhibition, sale and distribution of artists’ and crafters’ work based on the principles of fair trade
• Access funding for training, development and exhibitions
• Communicate, research and document traditional and contemporary trends in art and craft
• Preserve our cultural heritage
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Development Initiatives
The African Art Centre has for more than 50 years facilitated relevant strategic sustainable development projects to thousands of crafters from both rural and urban KwaZulu Natal.
We work with some of the most economically disadvantaged people, who have limited access to capital, technology and resources and reach out to the poorest communities, rural men and women, the disabled, the unemployed, youth, HIV/AIDS affected persons. We facilitate project throughout the year and our projects include skills development in fine art, beadwork, embroidery and telephone wire weaving. and enable participants to generate significant economic opportunities.
We work with some of the most economically disadvantaged people
In view of the high levels of unemployment, the production of arts and craft is an important income source, particularly within rural and low-income communities in KwaZulu Natal. It presents opportunities for local economic development and has the potential to make a significant contribution to the living conditions of those living beneath the bread line.
The African Art Centre is geared towards working with a large percentage of these people and we recognize that relevant skills development and are paramount to the success of the creative industries in South Africa and vital for the long term economic growth of the creative industries in KwaZulu Natal.
Our interventions assist these people in maturing and progressing to a point where they are able to produce high quality, innovative products on an ongoing basis and also ensure a steady stream of new, competent entrants into the art and craft markets.
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre Products
Our Products
We have a reputation within South Africa and internationally for supplying a variety of specialized, high quality products.
Handmade Zulu Beadwork
Traditionally Zulu beadwork was created to convey messages in their design and use of colour. Currently we provide income generating opportunities for more than 200 beaders who produce unique ranges of beaded jewellery including bracelets, necklaces and rings which incorporate contemporary colours and trends combined with traditional Zulu bead making designs and techniques.
Ilala Palm Woven Baskets
The Centre carries a variety of hand woven Ilala Palm baskets produced by Master Weavers, Angeline Masuku and Beauty Ngxongo and young weavers from North Eastern KwaZulu Natal. Using natural fibers and dyes these baskets are available from our outlet in Florida Road and are produced on order for Interior Decorators and the public.
Traditional and Contemporary Zulu Ceramics
Originally produced by Zulu women to serve beer at social gatherings and spiritual ceremonies, these vessels highlight the mastery of burnishing and low-temperature firing. We promote exceptional vessels produced by Clive Sithole, Jabu and Thembi Nala and Khulemeleni and Shongaziphi Magwaza and also stock a small collection of traditional ukhamba (Zulu Beer Pots).
Antiques and Artifacts
We have an interesting selection of rare antique Zulu beaded jewellery, headrests, aprons and imbenge baskets for sale.
Telephone Wire
The Zulu people are renowned for their mastery in hand woven grass and palm leaf weaving techniques. Today this age old tradition is manifested in unique products woven from soft and hard telephone wire. These baskets or imbenge which are both functional and decorative are available in an assortment of bright colours and sizes. Crafters supported by the African Art Centre produce a distinctive variety of telephone wire jewellery.
We have a reputation within South Africa and internationally
Fine Art
We provide an outlet for promoting the work of fine artists from KwaZulu Natal and regularly mount exhibitions by both young and established black artists, working in contemporary and traditional genres. Many African Art Centre artists have achieved national and international acclaim, including Azaria Mbatha, Gabisele Nkozi, Tito Zungu, and Reuben Ndwandwe – but thousands have had their lives dramatically improved through the recognition of their talents.
Corporate Gifts
We offer specially handcrafted corporate and promotional gifts and designs as per request and provide wholesale prices for large orders. We work with Interior Designers and Decorators by assisting artists and crafters in manufacturing specifically designed original, handmade products for your home.
Educational Resources
We have documented the lives and works of traditional and contemporary artists, some of whom are now third generation. We have a wealth of information which is a part of our unique cultural heritage.
Archives and the Past
From the time of its initiation in 1959, the African Art Centre started its own unique but small collection of fine art, artifacts of national importance. Part of this is a book written by Jo Thorpe, titled, “It’s Never Too Early which provides a history of the centre from its beginning until 1994. This collection known as The Jo Thorpe Collection has been donated to The Campbell Collection of the University of KwaZulu Natal and is available for study and to view by appointment.
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Our shop and Gallery
Every purchase made from the African Art Centre provides income and employment for more than 600 artists and crafters currently supported by the Centre.
Visit our shop and gallery where we showcase the best of traditional and contemporary South African art and craft by Master Craftspeople and Fine Artists. Products include Antique Zulu and Xhosa fine beadwork and artefacts, telephone wire products, Ilala Palm Baskets, handmade ceramics, paintings, works on paper, sculpture and embroidery.
A wide selection of art and craft books and a unique selection of children’s educational books.
The African Art Centre has a reputation, within South Africa and internationally for supplying specialized, high quality products. Regular Development Projects presented by the African Art Centre not only focus on skills transfer and product development but also on the preservation of traditional craft skills. Over the past 50 years, the Centre has represented the interest of craftspeople and artists by supporting and promoting their work at the shop and also via retail markets and art galleries in the rest of the country and abroad. Every purchase made from the African Art Centre provides income and employment for more than 600 crafters represented by the Centre.
The African Art Centre offers a personal wedding gift registry, specially handcrafted corporate gifts and designs as per request. We work with Interior Designers and Decorators by assisting artists and crafters in manufacturing specifically designed original, handmade products for your home.
We carry a wide selection of art and craft books and a unique selection of children’s educational books.
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
African Art Centre The Durban African Art Centre Association
Physical Address: 94 Florida Road, Morningside.
Postal Address: P O Box 803,
Durban.
Postal Code: 4000
Telephone: +27(0)313034634
Fax: +27(0)313123818
Email: africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za
Website: http://www.afriart.org.za
Directions: Big White Building with Grey Writings, located just off the corner of Sandile Thusi Road (Former Argyle Road) and Florida Road
Latitude: -29.83537172553759
Longitude: 31.018588542938232
