Being a Black Artist in Cape Town
by Sean O'Toole
Despite the fact that the Western Cape is a training ground to a large number of black artists these artists face near visible invisibility, a report released in late 2002 exposed. Published late in 2002, 'The Report on the Survey and Workshop with Black Visual Artists in Cape Town' canvassed the opinions of fifty-two black artists based in Cape Town. The survey, undertaken by University of Cape Town MFA graduate Mgcineni Sobopha, was more of an attitudinal survey than a quantifiable study.
The findings of this report continue to make for sobering reading. Key findings 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 to contend with the dual pressure of maintaining a household in a situation where opportunities, skills and self-confidence are not high.
At a follow-up workshop, held on October 9, 2003 at the SANG's Annex building, attending artists expressed a need for, and an ongoing interest in art workshops with other experienced artists.
Despite various corporate initiatives to remedy the above scenario, 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.
