The Art Bar Festival, held from 4 to 5 June at 211 Florida Road UIP, was a resounding success. It provided access to market networking opportunities for local creatives and attracted many visitors who bought the array of uniquely local products on offer. The exhibition was hosted by the City’s Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit in collaboration with the Durban Art Gallery. It featured quality, locally made products of crafters and visual art which truly represented South African culture.
Visual artist Asiphile Luthuli appreciated the platform saying it provided an opportunity to be exposed to a wider audience and connect with new clients. Nkule Mchunu of Asaya Creations, which creates customised rosary beads, bespoke rosary necklaces and beaded jewellery, was also grateful for the opportunity. “I made double the amount in sales that I usually make. I was also exhibiting for free and received additional orders.”
Nondumiso Mhlongo from the Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit said the platform served its purpose which was to expose local creatives and their products. “Our role as a unit is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and through this exhibition, we did just that.” Mhlongo said the Art Bar Festival presented opportunities for exhibitors, with some being given the chance to showcase their work at a private exhibition to be hosted in Chatsworth.
“This comes after organisers of the Chatsworth exhibition were impressed by the quality of products showcased at the festival.” There was also an educational component of the festival which saw speakers like Hlengiwe Zulu talk on the ‘Secrets of Beads’. She highlighted their history, how can they be identified, what they mean, and how to mix them. Crafters that were showcasing at the festival were selected via the Municipality’s Business Support, Tourism, Markets and Agri-Business Unit database. To register on the database, email pictures of your work to: nondumiso.mhlongo@durban.gov.za For enquiries call 031 311 4500. nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za