DURING the KZN Society of Arts Members’ Award recently the president Thobekile Shange announced the appointment of Russel Hlongwane as the organisation’s new executive director.

The KZNSA council and operations team are excited for this new chapter in its 120-year existence. Hlongwane succeeds Angela Shaw, who served as Executive Director for 12 years (2014-2026), steering it with visionary leadership and securing its sustainability during her tenure.

Hlongwane, a Durban-based cultural producer, brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive practice situated at the intersection of heritage, modernity, culture, and tradition as they apply to black life in SA. His multidisciplinary work spans cultural research, film, creative producing, design theory, curatorship, writing, and performance – often realised through installation.

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His curatorial and artistic projects have been presented both locally and internationally, with exhibitions and platforms across Europe, Africa, and further afield in the US and Latin America. Notably, his experimental film Ifu Elimnyama: The Dark Cloud received the Jury Prize at the Sharjah Film Platform in 2019.

Hlongwane has also published widely in academic and art journals, and has contributed to panels and symposia on curating and urbanity. He currently serves on the international advisory board of the Prince Claus Fund (Netherlands) and is pursuing an MPhil in Southern Urbanism at the University of Cape Town’s African Centre for Cities.

In addition to his artistic practice, Hlongwane has worked as a consultant with cultural institutions and government departments, focusing on strengthening creative ecologies. His commitment to collaboration and institutional development aligns closely with KZNSA’s mission.

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Speaking on his vision for KZNSA, Hlongwane said, “My priority is to re-establish an institutional practice grounded in rigorous exhibitions and a considered public programme. I also intend to revitalise the shop and café as destination spaces in their own right.

“Central to this is ongoing dialogue with partners, funders, staff, membership, and the broader artistic community. I am aware of the demands involved in sustaining work of this kind. It requires sustained collective effort between the KZNSA Gallery and its constituents, but I believe it is achievable. Last but not least, I wish to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all those whose commitment and labour have sustained this organisation and brought it to its current point.”

The KZNSA Gallery extended its deepest appreciation to Shaw for her dedicated leadership, and warmly welcomed Hlongwane who officially started at the KZNSA in May.

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