THE BAG Factory Artists’ Studios has kicked off its first ever Non-Metropolitan Mentorship Programme for emerging artists.
The programme is aimed at young emerging visual artists from areas outside of the traditional metropolitan “art” centres of South Africa.
The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios team were in East London recently to promote their project and moved on to the Free State and further to present their programme.
Six young artists from all over South Africa will be chosen for the programme. These artists will be taken to Johannesburg where they will be mentored by a variety of people with different professional expertise, including a selection of Bag Factory established artists and industry professionals.
The participants will also receive accommodation, a basic stipend and inner city travel for the duration of the programme. The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios is a community studio in Fordsburg, Gauteng that has been running for the past 25 years. During this time, the studio has encouraged experimentation and remained a space for creativity to thrive.
The studio has played host to artists such as Helen Sebidi, Deborah Bell, Sam Nhlengethwa, Penny Siopsis, Benon Lutaaya, Blessing Ngobeni, Neo Matloga, Dinkies Sithole, Kay Hassan and many, many more.
They have also created an international following through their Visiting Artists programme. The studio is a consistent space for art-loving members of the public to experience outstanding work.
“The Bag Factory Artists’ Studios is so much more than just a building and studio space. It has provided the foundation of many an artist’s career.” Bag Factory Artists’ project assistant, Linda Malefo said. The programme is scheduled to take place in October and applications will only be available at the end of the month. Artists from Buffalo City and surrounding rural areas are asked to submit their work by the submission deadline of May 15.
For more information please contact Aysha at aysha@bagfactoryart.org.za
