On September 20th, BNAP Foundation hosted an engaging and informative Professional Practice Workshop at DALRO, designed for artists eager to enhance their professional skills. This workshop provided a deep dive into essential aspects of navigating the art world, with expert guidance on creating an artist portfolio and CV, writing an artist statement and biography, and planning for exhibitions. We were fortunate to have Oratile Mosimanekgosi, an independent academic art writer, lead the workshop. With a BA in visual art and history, Oratile's work with Artyli allows her to contextualize content for artists, emphasizing clarity and accessibility to connect with a broad audience. Her extensive experience working with galleries and artists has enriched her understanding of the art industry and honed her writing skills.
Also contributing to the workshop was Sara Hallatt, the founder of META Foundation and Contra.Joburg, Johannesburg's largest visual arts festival. With a career that began in marketing, Sara has a wealth of experience, including producing major events like the Confederations Cup '09 and FIFA World Cup '10. Her leadership at the Bag Factory, a prominent visual arts NGO, and her role in establishing Africa Collect, a loan service for art collectors, reflect her commitment to supporting artists and the arts community. Sara holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management and was a Mandela Washington Fellow at Northwestern University.
Participants left the workshop equipped with practical skills and insights into professional conduct, residency, gallery, and competition applications. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this enriching experience, and we look forward to future workshops that foster growth and connection within our creative community.
