Mission Statement
The Arts Association of Bellville (Art.b), is a dynamic and innovative, community-orientated organisation primarily managed by volunteers and partially supported by The City of Cape Town.
The organisation will strive to:
- Support artists from all different cultural and economic backgrounds, with the focus on emerging artists.
- Offer educational value and showcase visual art and artists [primarily local] to raise public awareness of art.
- Gain financial independence to employ the necessary staff, host exhibitions, present outreach programmes and other art related projects. All generated funds (membership fees; commissions; donations; sales; etc) will be invested directly and indirectly to the benefits of the gallery.
- Fundraising is a priority to insure the continued existence and growth of the gallery.
- The gallery space must be utilised to its maximum potential to display a wide as possible variety of visual- and multi-media art.
Art.b – Arts Association, Bellville, will utilise the available exhibition space to its full potential to support artists, educate and uplift the community and to develop into an ever growing financially independent organisation with the core focus on Visual Art.
History
art.b Gallery, also known as The Arts Association of Bellville, is a NPO: Non Profit Organization, and a branch of SANAVA (South African Association of Visual Arts).
The Arts Association of Bellville was founded on 27 August 1957. 45 people attended the first meeting, where the Constitution was accepted. 8 members were elected, with Mr. A van Wyk serving as the first Chairman.
During the first decade the Association held numerous fund raising events, involving the public as well as the municipality of Bellville. Various artists were approached, such as late Mr T.O. Honniball, and their works were exhibited in the foyer of the Municipality library in Kruskal Street, Bellville.
In 1989 the prestigious Bellville Art Gallery and Art Centre were established in the present library Centre, initiated by the late Mr Burgert Naude. Curator and assistant posts were created by the City Council of Bellville, serving the needs of the public.
On 22 February 1990, Ms. Marilyn Martin, then Director of Iziko Museum, opened a prestigious Gala Art Exhibition at the gallery featuring works of amongst others, William Kentridge, Conrad Theys and Frans Claerhout.
The annual VULEKA ART COMPETITION was established by this gallery in 1963 – drawing entries from now prominent artists such as William Kentridge (Winner 1980), Sue Williamson, Christo Coetzee, Pippa Skotnes and Andries Gouws. Renowned artist Conrad Theys has sponsored VULEKA for many years, and the first prize is now known as the Conrad Theys prize.
The Gallery consists of the Main Gallery and the Vestibule. The combined exhibition space is approximately 420 square meters, with excellent natural and electrical light. The Art Centre provides for various art disciplines, including pottery, drawing, painting, photography and life drawing classes. It also caters for disadvantaged and disabled learners.
For almost 60 years, the gallery and art centre have served as a hub of cultural and community activities, offering art exhibitions of high standing such as the Absa L’Atelier, workshops, art classes and music concerts.
COMMITTEE
Janine Vorster
Chair Person
Vast experience in marketing in the art industry and finance.
anne wells
Deputy Chair Person
Oil painting artist, art curator and judge.
tiaan v deventer
Treasurer
Photographer, artist and managing director of the framing company,
Monique Heystek
Robert Rudolph
Tania Melnyczuk
AGM Reports
Virtual Tour / Floor Plan
Art.b covers an area of 294 m² and provides sufficient wall and floor space for major exhibitions. This space is divided into the Main Gallery and the smaller Vestibule Gallery. The Main Gallery hosts a cross range of South African Art in a variety of mediums including sculpture, photography, installation and conceptual work. The Vestibule Gallery, a highly respected and popular space for ceramic exhibitions, is often graced by innovative and acclaimed ceramicists. Unique jewellery and glassware exhibitions also take place in this space.
On average 12 exhibitions are hosted annually in each gallery space. Additional activities include walkabouts, audio-visual lectures and monthly “Music in the Gallery” events.