Times Of Swaziland: ARTISTS, GALLERIES STRUGGLING

ARTISTS, GALLERIES STRUGGLING
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Neliswa Sibiya on 27/08/2024 08:34:00


MBABANE – The visual arts sector in Eswatini is facing significant challenges,
as economic pressures mount, impacting both artists and galleries.
With a growing number of visual artists and art spaces, the need for sustainable
funding has never been more critical. Many artists find it increasingly
difficult to rely solely on their artwork for income, leading to a struggle for
survival in a financially-constrained environment. Mzwandile Moletsane, a local
artist, articulates the harsh realities of the industry. “It is hard for
artists to live only through their work, because we are not a rich country
economically. You need a few income revenues to survive,” he explained.
Moletsane has managed to sell around ten concept pieces alongside over 100
commissioned artworks, highlighting the importance of diversifying income
streams. His loyal clientele appreciates both his creativity and the customised
nature of his pieces, yet the overall market remains challenging. Fela Dlamini,
another artist, echoed Moletsane’s sentiments. “To be really honest, it is
not possible for an artist to make a living through artwork in Eswatini. One
needs to have something else besides art in order to survive,” he stated.
Highlights
Dlamini notes that his recent exhibition pieces have yet to find buyers,
emphasising the reliance on galleries to connect artists with potential clients.
Often, galleries play a crucial role in facilitating sales, calling upon
specific artists based on client needs. In contrast, Yini Loku, a contemporary
creative hub, aims to showcase the talent of emerging artists. Siphilele
Magagula, co-Founder of Antidote Culture and Yini Loku, highlights the wealth of
artistic talent in Eswatini. “The joy is always the discovery of new talent.
Eswatini has some exceptional visual artists who are honing their skills and
making important social commentary through their work,” she shared.
However, the lack of opportunities due to economic constraints hampers their
growth. Magagula points out that low sales figures lead to minimal returns for
artists, creating a ‘long and lonely road’ for many. She emphasises the role
of art in reflecting societal issues, stating: “The various exhibitions we
have had have touched on nostalgia, culture and mental health issues depicting
internal battles and the search for meaning, while also inspiring hope.” The
conversation about support for the arts extends to government involvement.
Magagula suggests that government policies could significantly enhance the local
art scene. “If there were regulations that required all government and
corporate spaces to display 50 to 70 per cent local art, it would boost the
visual art community and enable artists to have sustainable careers,” she
proposes.
Private
However, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini National Council of
Arts and Culture, Stanley Dlamini, clarifies the government’s stance on
funding. “We do not have a government gallery in the country as yet, only
private galleries and how can the government fund a private business?” he
questions. The newly-launched arts and culture policy aims to promote creativity
and skill development within the sector. Despite the immense talent available,
fine arts remain underdeveloped in Eswatini. The policy seeks to encourage
artists to create works that meet international standards, while reflecting
local culture. It emphasises the importance of training, exhibitions and
publications to elevate the profile of Eswatini artists both locally and abroad.
As the visual arts community navigates these economic challenges, the resilience
and creativity of artists continue to shine through. The hope remains that with
increased support and innovative policies, the sector can thrive, allowing
artists to flourish and contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of
Eswatini.