LIKE many non-profit organisations, Durban’s African Art Centre is feeling the pinch of the economic downturn.
But rather than sit back and wait for the worst-case scenario, the centre – which helps to support 600 KZN crafters from rural and township areas – is on a mission to rekindle a regular relationship with the public in the hopes of getting some much-needed funds rolling in.
As the centre celebrates their 56th birthday, they’ve planned a few major events they hope will attract some buy- in from the public.
At a press conference the centre’s management said over the next few months a few key activities – like the launch of a new range of beaded jewellery, tree exhibitions and a birthday celebration commemorating half-a-century of changing lives – will aim to market their centre more.
Director Sharon Crampton said aside from these, the public and local business folk could pop into their store on Florida Road to look at some of the art, crafts, fashion accessories and decor they have on sale.
She explained that they service about 80 percent of women and 20 percent of men.
“They come from all over KZN, mostly our rural areas. We have a large group in Bergville, Estcourt, Valley of a Thousand Hills, Manguzi and some smaller areas around Durban, like KwaMashu and Inanda.
“Of the 600 artists and crafters that we support, our research indicates that they individually support about seven people per household. So you are looking at around 4 200 indirect beneficiaries that are supported through the centre. A lot of these people are grandmothers supporting households. Their children go off to find work in the cities and leave the grandchildren in their care.”
What’s nice about the working system that the centre offers is that these grandmothers can bead or craft from home, while taking care of the children. “So they are generating an income through the centre, but at the same time taking care of their grandchildren.”
Aside from the financial benefits of selling their wares and the additional training and marketing they get from the centre, many artists have also moved on to become self-sustaining active artists in the industry.
Crampton said marketing research has indicated that although the centre has been in existence for 56 years, many people don’t know about it.
“So we’ve arrange the mentioned events to raise that awareness around the Centre.”
• The African Art Centre, 94 Florida Road, Durban. Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, Saturdays, 9am to 3pm. To have a look at their wares which make for great personal and corporate gifts, visit www.afriart.org.za and click on “shop”. For more info on how to support the centre call 031312 3805.