The Art Centre officially opened to the public on the 23rd of February!
The Art Centre is an exciting new venue in Swaziland which will promote fine art, fashion, sculpture, poetry and creative education! The Art Centre will be next door to Guava Gallery on the Cultural Village Road in Ezulwini Valley. The tenants are the following:
Yebo Contemporary Art Gallery They will continue to exhibit work by the 14 local artists they officially represent. Up and coming artists will also have opportunities to participate in exhibitions and workshops. Yebo also has some exciting plans to exhibit overseas this year, as well as collaborating with foreign galleries and artists in Swaziland! Artists will also have the opportunity and space to work at The Art Centre.
The Yebo shop sells a full range of art materials for artists and schools. The shop also stocks a range of original sculptures, home decor, T-shirts, cloth, cards and much more….all designed and made by local artists in their studios or at Yebo’s workshop.
Art Classes – Yebo artists will be offering classes in drawing/painting/pottery/screen-printing/etching etc so come down and sign up! Classes will start in March. Many of these classes are for beginners, no experience necessary! Full range of equipment is in place, screen-printing table, pottery wheels and kiln, etching press etc
Jerempaul Design –The Directors Khulekani & Paul Msweliare very excited about relocating the Jerempaul boutique to The Art Centre. Jerempaul offers its clients the best in design innovation, experience and service. The Art Centre space will allow Jerempaul to attain higher levels of creativity and service through further involvement with the arts. Our close proximity to Yebo and the artists will strengthen our collaboration initiatives which result in original ideas and products. Jerempaul will continue being Swaziland’s most innovative fashion and product design house.
ArtReach – The Art Centre will host offices and workshop/training space for Yebo! ArtReach, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing skills and knowledge through the arts. Whilst ArtReach will often work out at schools and communities, it needs a central location in which to operate from and conduct inhouse projects. ArtReach will also provide a library full of reference books/magazines on art/design/crafts, and work together with local artists and artisans through the Art Centre.
Rooted Soulz will also collaborate with the space, conducting regular workshops and other initiatives together with Yebo and ArtReach in the continued spirit of artistic collaboration.
Next door to The Art Centre is Guava Gallery where visitors can buy locally designed and made jewellery and have coffee and delicious meals on the terraced restaurant.
The Art Centre officially opened to the public on the weekend of the 23/24th of February with live art, fashion, music and poetry – see pictures below!
We will soon be starting classes, training, events, talks, screenings and more in our space. For more updates please contact us!