Springs learners step into the world of contemporary African art
Springs learners were given an opportunity to experience contemporary African art and learn about careers in the industry at the annual FNB Art Fair.
Springs learners were among a group who experienced the exclusive FNB Art Fair school excursion at the Sandton Convention Centre on September 4.
Organised by the Gauteng Arts for Public Schools (GAPS), the excursion brought together young artists from different school districts, including Gauteng East and Johannesburg East.
Primary and high school learners from East Rand School of the Art, Buckingham Academy, Theo Twala Primary School, Endicott Primary School and Sakelwe Primary School spent the day among work by some of the continent’s best-known contemporary artists, including South Africans Mary Sibande, Blessing Ngobeni, Lady Skollie and Helen Sebidi.
Learners sat with exhibitor Stevenson Gallery and curator Mosa Molapo took them through a range of works and mediums and a session on the jobs inside the industry and how people find their way into them.
“Now in its 19th year, the fair is the first and longest-running contemporary art fair in Africa. This edition brought together 50 exhibitors from 19 African countries, which meant learners encountered work made in Lusaka, Dar es Salaam, Harare and Lagos alongside the South African names they already knew, said GAPS founder Nyeleti Majuba.
GAPS was founded in 2022 to put arts and culture at the centre of public school education in Gauteng, through teacher training, inter-school festivals, art supply distribution and excursions.
“FNB called this year’s fair Culture’s Capital, and Johannesburg is the capital they mean. What the learners saw on September 4 is that the culture on their doorstep is also an economy, with jobs in it.
“We are grateful for partners like FNB who back that and advocate alongside us, because it carries our voice a lot further than it goes on its own,” she added.
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FNB Art Joburg’s director Mandla Sibeko said they firmly believe the fair has a role to play in creating meaningful points of entry into contemporary African art.
“Whether you are encountering it for the first time or have been part of the art world for years, bringing learners into the fair is an extension of that commitment.
“It allows young people to experience the breadth of the continent’s art ecosystem, to engage with artists and practitioners, and to begin to see themselves as part of its future,” Sibeko said.
The learners enjoyed a guided walkabout to close the afternoon.
