The South African Art Information Directory - 04/05
by Suzie Copperthwaite
At first it reminded me of a high school diary, but SAAID (South African Art Information Directory) 04/05 is packed with all sorts of useful information. In many ways, it really starts to taper the long-standing rifts in the South African arts communication network.
After six years of research, SAAID endeavours to provide an integrated resource for all local artists, but is useful, in sections, to art patrons and institutions alike. The directory lists and provides details of South African Art Organisations, Service Industries, and Infrastructure. It is a comprehensive index, which fundamentally challenges the lack of availability of, and accessibility to valuable (if not indispensable) information for artists.
One can find, for example, some options for marketing and advertising, as well as documentation of prominent local and international galleries and representatives. Much of the publication is dedicated to the disclosure of several local and international art-related grants and funding, events, competitions and residencies - many of which would probably never otherwise be heard about.
SAAID, a Global Art Information initiative, is an ambitious project, but seems aware of its own limitations. The introduction acknowledges "a great deal more work has to be done in order to provide real and effective change in order to give all South African artists an equal amount of opportunity and access to the local and international communities and opportunities".
The book closes with a South African artist listing, and has included the names and contact details of a number of the 8000 artists (a few also advertise here) captured on their database - some, predictably, more mainstream or obscure than others. But, it is after all about getting your name out there.
SAAID is available in hardcopy, on CD Rom, or in PDF format - and, if requested, offers its buyers one year's free daily online updates.
For further details, email: info@globalartinfo.com. Website: www.globalartinfo.com.
