The exhibition, a black tie art event, will see some of the country’s renowned artists such as Wilson Ngoni, Martin Sefako, Tshepo Molapong, Lesedi Segobye, Loretta Mekgwe, Ditshupo Mogapi, Rachael Hutton and Rexx Mautle to name but a few showcasing their work.
AAC is an institution of high learning which offers degree courses in Art for Storytelling such as BA (Hons) Fine Art, BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons). According to the exhibition organiser and director of AAC, Goabaone Mogwe, the event aims to present art as a business or plausible career choice by introducing artists to the corporate world. “Inviting corporate CEOs and their teams also expose the buying parties to the massive and competitive talent which the country has to offer and hopefully they start buying locally than buying outside.
The exhibition is also meant to introduce AAC as a place of learning which aims to make visual art a lucrative career for African artists,” Mogwe said. Furthermore, Mogwe said the exhibition will expose local visual artists to the corporate world and help them sell to corporate CEOs and their teams and highlight the importance of art in education through the school curriculum.
He stated that the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Nnanaki Makwinja, will make a presentation during the show. Additionally, Mogwe said the exhibition is also an appreciation and recognition of the work that some of the renowned artists have been doing in the field of art and aims to help them sell their work. “We have selected renowned artists who have proven themselves and are deserving of every opportunity to have their work sold at this exhibition.
This exhibition, being the first of its kind, will house 24 visual artists. Ticket buyers will get a rare opportunity to view and purchase a collection of art from highly skilled artists all at once,” he added. Moreover, Mogwe said the artists will also get an opportunity to network attendees especially corporate executives in a relaxed atmosphere.
He said attendees will also be treated to live music performances, poetry and comedy. “This particular exhibition desired to take artists out of their comfort areas and present art as a form of high lifestyle expense and aims to bring artists to the right buyers. Our normal art facilities are amazing and have paved the way for so much successful artists but a little wiggle room to experience something different might be what the current market needs,” he said. As part of giving back to the community, Mogwe said some of the proceeds from artwork sales will be redirected towards teaching art for storytelling to children and youth in underprivileged communities.
Therefore, he urged local companies and organisations to sponsor the event as their contribution will forever empower and change the lives of those who would otherwise not be able to afford such upskilling lessons. He also said this will go a long way in identifying hidden talent which might in future develop content for some of the biggest entertainment mass media and entertainment conglomerate such as Disney.
