Calling All Artists

“Networking” would appear to be the way of the moment. It began two years ago with the launch of a number of representational umbrella bodies responsible for Arts and Culture. VANSA or “Visual Arts Network of South Africa”, is the representative body for the visual arts and since its inception, there has been a move at hand to encourage artists and art groups in KwaZulu-Natal to “network” with each other.

Being a part of that networking has been, for me, very exciting as it has brought together artists from all over the Province seeking ways to work together towards the upliftment of the visual arts. Artists are by nature, fairly solitary creatures, perfectly contented with paint and brushes seeking only to be left in peace to create, so with this networking has come a realization of what can be achieved if artists were to unite and work towards a common goal. There has also been a cross pollination of ideas and a sharing of information about art products, art workshops, speakers, exhibitions and events. Networking offers you these opportunities.

I have had the priviledge of visiting a number of art groups and their exhibitions over the last few months and there is a definite stirring among the artists of KwaZulu Natal and a general buzz of expectation of exciting things to come! Group memberships are on the up and up and even in areas where groups have ceased to be due to lack of leadership, members are looking to re-establish them. Could we be on the verge of something exciting in the art world? Could an art happening start in this Province that could spread to the rest of the country? Join the “network” and find out!