VAR DBN

We previously released a report on the state of the Durban Art Gallery, that can be read on the ASAI website (check the previous post for the link). We have also worked on a document that outlines what we beleieve would take DAG out of the position it currently finds itself in. The document is available on this link:

VAR Durban Draft Recommendations - Google Drive

Read our report on the state of the Durban Art Gallery.

Hopefully the JAG is finally on the mend

Johannesburg Art Gallery restoration: Priceless artworks return home | Daily Maverick Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero announced that plans to restore the Johannesburg Art Gallery are currently under way, with 145 artworks from its collection returning to the city after being on loan to South Korea.

OPEN LETTER TO THE NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA ON THE OUTCOMES OF PROJECT FUNDING
Issued by: VAR DBN, 17 November 2025
We wish to express our concern regarding the recently announced project funding outcomes for the 2025/26 year. Our intention is to seek clarity and promote transparency to strengthen the broader creative ecosystem.
We note that Visual Arts, along with Crafts and Literature, was allocated R2,600,000.00, while Dance, Theatre and Music received R3,900,000.00. Multidisciplinary Arts received R6,900,000.00. We also observe that many “multi-disciplinary” projects effectively fall within dance, theatre or music practice.
We would appreciate insight into the basis for these allocations. Is there a specific rationale for the visual arts receiving a smaller proportion than dance, theatre and music? Do these allocations correlate with the volume of applications received, or with each discipline’s contribution to the cultural and creative economy? If so, it would be helpful for the relevant evidence or methodology to be shared with the sector.
We also note a general shift in favour of funding individuals over organisations. While it is understandable that individuals constitute a large pool of applicants - and thus a large share of beneficiaries - it is less clear why, on average, individuals received slightly higher grant amounts (R95,475.00) than organisations (R92,459.00). Given that organisations often carry more extensive operational responsibilities, this pattern raises questions about how sustainability is being supported across the sector. The lighter reporting requirements for individuals compared to organisations may further complicate matters for non-profits already facing financial and administrative constraints.
The limited support for organisations is particularly pronounced within the visual arts. Only six organisations were funded, fewer than in any other discipline (literature: 7; theatre: 12; dance: 13; music: 16; crafts: 22; multi-discipline: 30). As a result, organisational funding constitutes only 27% of the visual arts allocation - lower than most other disciplines except music. While we acknowledge that the average grant for visual arts organisations was comparatively higher (R117,495.00), the overall number of supported entities remains very low, with no KZN-based visual arts organisations receiving project funding. By comparison, KZN based organisations in craft (2), theatre (3), music (2), literature (1) and multidisciplinary arts (3) received funding.
These figures may suggest that few visual arts organisations applied. However, we know this was not the case. In Durban alone, four impactful non-profits — KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA), Africa South Art Initiative (ASAI), Amasosha Artists Movement, and Community Archives Project (CAP) — had their proposals declined.
Given the ongoing challenges faced by the visual arts ecosystem in Durban, this is particularly concerning. VAR DBN was formed in 2024 in response to what many practitioners identified as a crisis in the city’s visual arts sector; 64 Durban-based practitioners publicly endorsed this view. The fragility of the local ecosystem has long contributed to the migration of artists to Johannesburg, Cape Town and abroad — a trend spanning decades. In this context, the non-approval of all Durban-based visual arts organisational applications suggests a potential disconnect between panel decisions and the realities on the ground.
We acknowledge that resources are limited and that no organisation or individual is entitled to funding. However, in the interest of accountability and sector development, we believe it is reasonable to seek clarity on several key issues:
i) The rationale for the comparatively lower allocation to the visual arts relative to other disciplines.
ii) The reasons why the average grant to approved individuals exceeds that of organisations, given their differing responsibilities and costs.
iii) The basis on which all applications from Durban-based visual arts organisations were declined.
In conclusion, we remain committed to advocating for an equitable and transparent funding landscape, one that recognises the diverse needs of all artistic disciplines. We will continue to engage constructively with the NAC and monitor future outcomes with the aim of supporting a balanced and sustainable arts ecosystem.

Let us celebrate the legacy of Thami Jali.

Asihlangane sonke siyikhumbula iqhawe lethu.

VAR DBN will be participating in the panel discussion on 'A common vision?' as part of ASAI's 20 years celebration at the KZNSA on the 28th November.

Celebrating 20 years of ASAI!

We invite you to join us for a full afternoon celebrating 20 years of ASAI: making art history from below.

Date: Friday, 28th November 2025
Venue: KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Rd, Durban
Time: 12:00 - 18:00

The afternoon will begin at 12:00 with ‘Artists on the Decks’, an informal event where local artists, dr dj, Rafs Mayet, Sfiso Ka-Mkame & Russel Hlongwane will play records selected from their private collections. Additionally, local artists will facilitate an art activation, 'Collaborative art making', open to public participation.

This will be followed by a roundtable discussion at 16:30, bringing together representatives of Durban-based visual arts non-profits, ASAI, KZNSA Gallery, Amasosha Art Movement, the BAT Centre, Unlearn to learn, Contemporary Archive Project and VAR DBN to reflect on the question of “A shared vision? The role of non-profits in the making of Durban’s visual arts scene.” Special attention will be paid to how collaborative projects have played, or can play, a critical role in building the visual arts sector locally, nationally and internationally.

RSVP here - https://forms.gle/8L8cTE6Jp94t5psX6

After the discussion, stay on for Thokozani Mhlambi: Playing John Knox Bokwe Today, a ticketed event from the internationally acclaimed cellist, vocalist, and cultural pioneer, Dr Thokozani Mhlambi, for a one-of-a-kind concert.
Link to tickets - https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1580090440

Image courtesy of John Roome Art


KZNSA Gallery

phambili Phansi, phambili!

Thank you Vasantha Angamuthu for the sterling write up on Paul Mikula’s legacy you are truly such a brilliant writer. We really appreciate your support.

Tonight! Congrats to for ten years of creativity!

Save the date

Round two in our engagements with the City... an opportunity for Durban's visual arts practitioners to engage government on the issues affecting the sector.

Meet the panelists...

Ernest Shozi is the Deputy Head of Libraries and Heritage at eThekwini Municipality, where since 2017 he has overseen the strategic management of libraries, heritage, arts, culture, and capital projects. His role includes aligning key initiatives with municipal development priorities, ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, and driving the implementation of major capital projects.

He has held senior leadership roles across local government, including Acting Head in the Office of the Mayor at eThekwini Municipality, Strategic Executive Head in the Office of the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, and Director of Corporate Governance at iLembe District Municipality. Earlier roles include Director of Corporate Communications and Manager of Youth Development at KwaDukuza Municipality.

Mr Shozi joins the discussion on Local government and the Visual Arts at the Art Resource Centre, happening next week at the Art Resource Centre.

🗓Tuesday, 30 September 2025
🕛12:00 PM
📍Art Resource Centre, Room 107, DUT City Campus, Anton Lembede St
RSVP here - https://forms.gle/7sHGNHrdi61m1XR4A

Be very interesting to see what issues this board will put on the table... and whether they engage with initiatives on the ground.

Introducing the Visual Arts Cluster of South Africa - one of the 17 Cultural and Creative Clusters.

The CCI (Cultural and Creative Industry) Clusters are sector-based coordinating structures, representing key creative domains. Each cluster operates as a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC) with a Board of Directors.

The clusters cover 17 disciplines as follows:
1. Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera
2. Dance
3. Exhibitions, Events, Festivals, Technical Productions
4. Visual Arts
5. Spoken Word, Poetry, Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy
6. Music – Mass participation and community-based (choirs, brass bands, traditional music)
7. Music – Modern sounds (pop, amapiano, rock, kwaito, hip hop, Bacardi) including recording and business management
8. Music – Goema, Kaapse Klopse and Folk
9. Books and Publishing – Content Developers and Creators
10. Books and Publishing – Manufacturing and Distribution
11. Film, Cinema and Television
12. New Media
13. Animation and Gaming
14. Product, Jewellery, Fashion and Textile Design
15. Craft
16. Communication Design and Interior Design
17. Arts Education.

These Boards are tasked with sector development, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy.