Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future
Celebrating 3 decades of contributing to South Africa’s art landscape
The Bag Factory Factory is celebrating three decades of our history and legacy as a non-profit contemporary visual arts organisation by looking through our archives and highlighting our unique, long-standing relationship with artists. Initially founded in 1991 by Dr David Koloane, British philanthropist Robert Loder, and arts administrator Sandra Burnett, with support from artists like Kagiso Patrick Mautloa, Sam Nhlengethwa and many others, the Bag Factory is an inclusive and interactive studio space for a cross-generational community of practicing visual artists where the exchange of ideas is encouraged and stimulated. Through our creative programme, we make ambitious and innovative projects accessible to a wide audience by creating synergy between our exhibitions, residencies, and artist development activities.
Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future poster
Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future. Installation image
Courtesy of the Bag Factory
More than 80 works dating from 1991 to the present are drawn from the Bag Factory’s collection of artworks bestowed to them over the years by previous studio artists, award recipients, and visiting artists who have participated in their internationally renowned artist-in-residence programme. The Bag Factory’s crucial role for the arts in South Africa is confirmed by their long list of celebrated alumni who have gone on to develop international and prize-winning careers. They include their co-founder the late David Koloane, Sam Nhlengethwa, Kagiso Patrick Mautloa, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Penny Siopis, Tracey Rose, Thenjiwe Nkosi, Lady Skollie, and Blessing Ngobeni to name a few. The exhibition highlights the Bag Factory’s unique artistic programme which combines art making with cultural debate and art exhibitions, thereby creating a fertile international environment for experimentation, innovation, and critical dialogue between creatives in South Africa and the rest of the world.
Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future. Installation image
Courtesy of the Bag Factory
Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future. Installation image
Courtesy of the Bag Factory
Bag Factory 30 Years: So Far, The Future. Installation image
Courtesy of the Bag Factory
CREDITS
Images courtesy of the Bag Factory.
Click here for more details about the exhibition.
The exhibition runs from 1 May – 19 June, 2021.
It has been extended for viewing to 25 June, 2021.