Telkom-supported artists to feature in Artists of Africa Exhibition
A 2010 FIFA World Cup host-city event, an Artists of Africa exhibition – which was launched today – is bound to become a major off-field attraction for the hordes of football fans and tourists who are expected to throng to South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ between 11 June and 11 July.
A partnership between Telkom, the Department of Arts and Culture and the City of Johannesburg, the exhibition, to be hosted at Museum Africa (in Newtown, Johannesburg) from 11 May to 11 July 2010, will display the works of 25 artists, three of whom – Willem Boshoff, David Koloane and Zwelethu Mthetwa – feature in Telkom’s corporate art collection.
Started in 1992, Telkom’s art collection reflects some of South Africa’s and the continent’s most vibrant artistic heritage and currently features over 900 artworks by 300 African artists.
Naas Fourie, Telkom’s Chief of Strategy, said that with Telkom also being a sponsor of the Soccer World Cup, the Artists of Africa Exhibition becomes “an opportunity to showcase the diversity and vitality of the African continent”.
“We are inextricably linked to this continent and we want to see our continent succeed. From a business perspective, Telkom is also expanding its African footprint. Showcasing the work of African artists is another way of demonstrating our passion for, and involvement in, our continent and its people,” added Fourie.
He also emphasised that Telkom only purchases the work of South African artists or artists who have resided on the continent for 10 years or longer. “This aligns with our focus on building pride in Africa’s heritage. As Telkom, we are therefore proud to be partners in an initiative that will enable the world to gain insight into the unique abilities and massive talent of African artists,” stated Fourie.
Boshoff stated that he was “extremely delighted” to be one of the artists chosen for the Artists of Africa Exhibition. He urged more support from corporate South Africa in punting the work of artists and art in general.
“Even if we create the best art pieces in the world, artists always face tough times because there isn’t a mass market for our work,” stated Boshoff, adding that he was glad that the exhibition coincided with the Soccer World Cup.
“If people really want to see the soul of a place, there is a need for them to look at its art, music and poetry,” added Boshoff.
Fellow-artist Koloane re-iterated that artists are usually unable to make a living out of their works because “the art market was too small to sustain all artists”.
“Corporate art collections consequently play a significant role in this respect and also highlight that companies such as Telkom really want to be part of South Africa’s artistic heritage, especially now that we are about to host the Soccer World Cup.”
Koloane added that he knows of artists who have gone on to attain fame purely as a result of corporate art collections.
“The role of business with regard to art is, therefore, very significant and cannot be adequately quantified,” concluded Koloane.