03 Apr 2014

The newly revamped and newly named Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Botswana Thapong Visual Art Centre is set to challenge artists in producing quality art pieces when exhibiting at the gallery.

Formerly known as Thapong Visual Art Centre, the art centre is going through major refurbishments and construction; while the refurbishment of the art gallery was completed end of November last year.

Speaking in an interview, coordinator of the art centre, Reginald Bakwena explained that the refurbishment of the art gallery was sponsored by DTC Botswana hence the name change.

“Having improved the look of our art gallery, it sends out a message that we also want quality art pieces being exhibited here and we hope that the refurbishment will trigger such positive thoughts,” he said, adding that the new look art gallery will bring much needed exposure to local artists.

Bakwena said they are planning to host quite a number of international exhibitions and exchange art programs for local artists to benefit from.

“I would also like to encourage individual artists to book our art gallery for exhibitions. Even if one is not a member of the art centre, they can still exhibit,” he said.

He indicated that even though first priority is given to members of the art centre when it comes to exhibiting, people who are not members can still use the art gallery, adding that even private institutions can hold exhibitions there. “The art gallery is open to everyone and this will also prove to generate income for the day to day operations of the centre,” said Mr Bakwena.

He further said he is grateful for the relationship the centre has with DTC Botswana and pleaded with artists to use the centre to improve their lives.

“Let us use DTC Botswana Thapong Visual Art Centre as an area to develop dialogue, interact and use the art gallery as a platform to see where we have shortcomings art wise and correct that,” he said.

With the members’ exhibition and presidents’ competition exhibitions coming up, Bakwena appealed to the public to support art and also invest in good art.

“I also want to inform the public that we are moving forward with the times, we have applied for a speed point where customers can swipe for artworks if they do not like carrying cash,” he said, adding that the gallery does not have offices but will rather be dedicated to exhibitions only.

For his part, Corporate Public Affairs Manager at DTC Botswana, Kago Mmopi said their relationship with the art centre dates back to 2009. “Since we have had the DTC Shining Light Awards competition, which deals with jewelry design, it was a natural fit for us to be associated with the art centre,” he said, indicating that the relationship has been successful so far.

“We have had artists from Thapong participating in our DTC Shining Light Awards competition and some even winning it. DTC Botswana has for some time been using the art gallery to hold workshops,” he said. He further said as the relationship went along, DTC Botswana felt they should do something worthwhile for the centre and that is when the refurbishment of the art gallery came up.

“Officials from Thapong submitted a proposal, along with a plan and architectural designs and the idea was loved by our board,” said Mmopi, adding that the amount of money spent on the refurbishment was P700 000.00.

He indicated that the relationship between the two is also strengthened by the fact that DTC Botswana sponsors the artist of the year award. “DTC Botswana is proud to be associated with the art centre and the fact that we have stuck with them so far has also encouraged other reputable organisations to chip in with sponsorship for various projects,” he said.

He added that DTC Botswana has recently signed a five year working contract with the art centre. He explained that one of the conditions of the contract is to have the art gallery named DTC Botswana hence the name change to DTC Botswana Thapong Visual Art Centre.

“So far DTC Botswana is not disappointed with the relationship and we would like to encourage them to keep up the good work and exhibit the same work ethic that is seen in the diamond industry,” said Mmopi.

He said the main reason for working with the art centre is to create a beautiful platform for artists to flourish. “DTC Botswana wants to help create employment for artists by attracting more people to visit the art gallery by making it look beautiful. More people means more purchases and this results in artists becoming business minded hence they can sustain themselves with the proceeds they get from sales,” he said.

He indicated that the launch of the art gallery will be done probably mid May this year, which is after other projects being done there by various organisations are complete.

“We have been informed that other refurbishments and construction maybe completed end of this month, hence we might have the official launch by mid May this year,” he said. ENDS