Kwazunva (KZN Visual Arts) Assessment workshop

Entering the workshop venue at Danville Girl’s High, and seeing the interesting and extremely varied selection of artwork on display aroused one’s curiosity as to what was ahead. Having attended last year’s “Judge’s Workshop”, I knew already what standard to expect and I was not disappointed.

It seemed obvious to revisit the point method of judging that had been formulated at last year’s workshop early in the programme and to assess its effectiveness and the discussion that followed was such that it became apparent that there was a need for a separate workshop for selectors and judges to explore these issues in greater depth. A follow up workshop specifically for selectors and judges is planned for February of 2007.



A wide spectrum of the Durban Art industry was represented at the Assessment workshop, including representatives from art groups, galleries and art suppliers. This made for extremely interesting dialogue and the discussion benefited from input from a variety of viewpoints. Ingrid Smith was again the facilitator and she ensured that it was a very interactive workshop.
There were a number of very searching questions asked and John Smith, President of Kwazunva and well known Durban artist, who is also known for his strong views on many art related issues helped keep the discussion lively.

Participants were set a practical judging exercise – assessing three of the artworks on display. An unusual Adrian Boshoff landscape caused much interesting debate. The groups also tried their hand at report writing on an exhibition and we were surprised by the impressive talent amongst our number.

After lunch, topics such as: “The purpose of Art”, “Décor vs sales”, “How cheap imports will affect the art market?” and “How do we educate the public about cheap substitutes?” led us into some very interesting debate.

We left with a sense of having been greatly enriched by the interaction amongst participants. Thanks to John and Ingrid Smith for making this workshop possible.

The Arts and Culture Imbizo with Dr. Z Pallo Jordan

It is not often that one has the opportunity to address issues on the Visual Arts directly to the Minister of Arts and Culture, himself, but the Imbizo called by Dr. Pallo Jordan on 13 April at the Playhouse provided just such an opportunity. The Minister encouraged a direct and frank approach toward bringing the concerns of the artist in Kwazulu Natal before the government and he assured those present that their concerns would be taken seriously.

Representatives of the Arts addressed their questions to the Minister and his panel. A “Feedback Form” was given to those that did not get an opportunity to voice their concerns, giving them the opportunity to submit a written query to which they were assured of an answer.

After a request for more regular engagement with the government, the Minister explained that the Imbizo was only one such form of engagement and that the process is ongoing. Many committee meetings both at Municipal and National level are open meetings and the public are welcome to attend. He encouraged the representatives of Arts and Culture to familiarize themselves with the channels that are available to them. He also encouraged citizens to be involved in the making of policy and to address issues through these channels. Dr. Jordan drew attention to the Government website where one can find the government’s policy statements on these issues.

Questions from the floor clearly revealed unrealistic expectations of the government with regard to Arts and Culture – cries were heard for more theatres, grants for filmmakers and promotions for music and dance groups. Dr. Jordan set the record straight with directness and clarity: The government is not a promotion agency or an agency to create work for artists. Its role is rather to create an environment in which the artist can work. Artists must establish themselves by their own efforts and he encouraged them to “improve their bargaining power” by uniting and forming unions. Government has established many art centers throughout the province, but how they are used will depend upon communities.

On the matter of finance, Dr. Jordan was clear and practical: all money available for spending was public taxes. The demands on the government purse were from all sectors including basic needs such as clean water, hospitals, housing, roads etc. Obviously money had to be allocated according to priority.



Dr. Jordan admitted that many artists and craftspeople are being exploited and that government was seeking to address this issue. He disagreed that the visual arts was being sidelined and made reference to a number of exhibitions that the government has facilitated – including the recent Picasso exhibition. Apparently this is to be followed by an Egyptian exhibition, which is due to take place next year in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Why is it that these exhibitions are missing Durban? Come on, Durban, perhaps we should “muster some bargaining power” and ask the Minister.