The History of Art subject group, which is located in the School of Communication, held its inaugural industry summit on Tuesday, 22 October on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), bringing industry experts to our students.
Students from the History of Art subject group attended the event and gained first-hand knowledge of the work and daily lives of practitioners in the industry. Members of the BKhz Gallery shared their professional journeys and how they had crafted different careers in the industry.
Banele Khoza, who is a gallerist and the founder of the BKhz Gallery, guided the students through his journey of becoming a well-established artist, emphasising hard work, working smartly, starting small and being kind to one’s process. His career progressed from working in what he described as a shoebox-sized apartment that doubled as a studio while he was studying, to a highly functional studio space with a manager – and ample international exposure.
Nicole Siegenthaler, Banele’s manager, spoke on the value of trust, working with intention and building networks in the industry, highlighting the crucial role of research in career advancement.
Sinki Makubu shared his experience of becoming a studio assistant, stressing leading characteristics that can help the students grow a career, for example being trustworthy, doing what they promised, and walking the extra mile.
The students took an active part in the summit, asking questions about how to get noticed and what makes an effective art manager. Dr Annemi Conradie-Chetty, director of the research entity ViNCO and programme leader of the honours degree in History of Art, encouraged the students to enrol for the postgraduate programmes in the subject group.
“The honours-degree modules – Philosophy of Art, Visual and Popular Culture Studies, Contemporary Art, Academic Research and Writing, and Curatorial Studies – in the postgraduate programme prepare students for an industry that requires a mix of art historical and theoretical know-how, as well as practical skills,” she said.
The History of Art alumni demonstrate how these postgraduate programmes contributed towards shaping their phenomenally successful careers in the industry, for example Elani Willemse van Wyk, who is a studio manager for the South African visual artist Angus Taylor.
Among other alumni are Jean le Clus-Theron, who works for the prestigious auction house Strauss & Co, and Dineke Orton, who organised winning exhibitions and is the curator of the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery. Another NWU alumnus, Amé Bell, has curated the South African pavilion at the Venice Biennale, one of the most visible international art shows.
Prof Lida Holtzhausen, director of the School of Communication, stated that it is becoming a matter of significant importance to bring the industry to our students before they go out into the world of work.
“In coming years, the school will continue to build a network of successful mentors in the industry who can prepare and guide our students so that they get every chance to make a success of their careers once they graduate.”
Inside the visually aesthetic Bkhz Gallery.
Students enjoying a thought-provoking industry summit.
