Being a Black Artist in Cape Town: A Status Quo Report
by Sean O'Toole
Despite the fact that Western Cape is a training ground to a large number of black artists, the visible "invisibility" of these artists remains a cause for concern. This recently prompted BLAC, a "discourse building project" aimed at black professional cultural workers that was founded in 1999, to conduct a survey aimed at ascertaining the numbers and levels at which black Cape Town artists work.
'The Report on the Survey and Workshop with Black Visual Artists in Cape Town 'is a survey of fifty-two black artists based in Cape Town. The survey, undertaken by UCT Master of Fine Arts graduate Mgcineni Sobopha, is more of an attitudinal survey than a quantifiable study. It is viewed as an important starting point from which more detailed research can mushroom. Despite reporting difficulties in producing this report, Sobopha's findings make for sobering reading.
Key findings reported by Sobopha include a deficiency of studio spaces from which to work; a lack of information or communication with regard to both local and international exhibition opportunities and trends; and a perceived lack of interest in black artist's work by art institutions/galleries with little or no encouragement, support or respect of art in their own areas and communities. Artists also admitted to a crippling deficiency in skills, and reported experiencing problems dealing with galleries and other exhibition related spaces in respect to negotiating exhibition spaces.
Inadequate skills also hindered fund raising capabilities, and impacted on the selling and marketing of art works both within and outside the boarders of this country. Significantly, Black women artists reported finding it difficult to earn a living and have the dual pressure of maintaining a household in a situation where opportunities, skills and self-confidence were not high. At a follow-up workshop, held on October 9 at the SANG's Annex building, attending artists expressed a need for, and an ongoing interest in art workshops with other experienced artists.
In overview, Mgcineni Sobopha reports that despite various corporate initiatives, and the more significant change in the overarching political dispensation framing daily life in South Africa, the reality for many black practitioners is less than optimal. "In the present Cape Town scenario," stated Sobopha, "many black artists still feel alienated from the gallery and museum system and from the international art market. What is clear is that only a handful of artists have risen to any prominence."
For a full transcript of the report mentioned in this article, contact BLAC at www.blac.co.za. Alternatively contact Zayd Minty on 021. 465-4996, or e-mail one@intekom.co.za.
