Young president has big plans for KZNSA

SHERYL MSOMI is the new president of KZNSA Gallery's council. The young artist and creative arts administrator was elected in November last year and has high hopes of the gallery being used as an exciting creative space by the entire community.

Sheryl laughed as she recalled her first visit to KZNSA Gallery while still studying towards her Fine Arts diploma. “I remember thinking the space was so cool but as a first year student, it was very intimidating for me back then.”

The Toti born artist relocated to Durban while studying towards her BA in Fine Arts. She decided to become an artist while still in school. “I was always sketching and designing clothes in high school and also had an appreciation for history and this was great because I loved art history, theory and critical thinking and questioning identity while studying for my diploma and BTech degree at DUT.

After completing her studies, Sheryl received an offer to work as a trainee buyer for Mr Price Home which she took as a welcomed challenge to learn more about the retail industry. “I have always been open minded about art and was never fearful about commercial and functional art. KZNSA is known for contemporary cutting edge art and exhibitions and we want to keep it that way,” she said.

She returned to studying and pursued logistics management when an opportunity as the regional coordinator at the Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA) arose. Sheryl said she was later nominated to the council at KZNSA and appointed vice president in 2013/2014 and was proud to become the first black woman president of KZNSA Gallery.

As the gallery is in a transitional phase, Sheryl said the motto and ethos of the society 'Transformation, Incubation, Activation' will be central in all aspects of the gallery. “In terms of transformation, whether its people that use the space, shop, cafe, gallery to the artists showing work in the space we need to get a lot more creative professionals in, with the incubation.” Sheryl said society was bombarded with unemployment especially with the youth. “We are looking at internships and mentorship programmes and we will be working with Durban Centre of Photography.

“The gallery is a beautiful platform for artists and we will continue to have “playdates” with live entertainment that speaks to activating the space,” she added.

“The space is for the KZN community and exists for them so we are looking forward to the public supporting us at events, lending a hand, we are open to sponsors. We would appreciate suggestions in our Suggestion Box because we want people to get more involved, informed and aware of the cultural and social importance of art,” said Sheryl.

It is a very exciting period according to Sheryl with lots of projects, workshops and weekly events on the go at the gallery, she said the community should check their facebook page and website for information or email gallery@kznsagallery.co.za to touch base and get onto their newsletter.