The mall has offered the space to artists to grow their careers and explore the mall as a different channel of distribution.
Shani Krebs, who after spending almost two decades in a Thai prison, is pursuing his vision of being an artist who can exhibit amongst South Africa's finest, will join these artists, Art Zone is a dream come true for this talented up-and-coming artist.
One of Joburg's leading visual arts organisations, the Bag Factory has been alive and kicking since 1991, when the space was set up to provide studios for artists - mainly black artists, who at that stage, had very little access to networks and resources in order to build their careers, allowing them to become full time practicing artists. It was one of the first collective studio spaces for visual artists in South Africa and has held its downtown ground in the rapidly evolving metropolis of Johannesburg. The Bag Factory is driving the collaborative space that is the Art Zone. Since its inception, it has focused on developing a programme that stands for inclusion and diversity, built on an idea of open access.
Assemblage is a non-profit organisation, which intends the visual arts community of Johannesburg to connect, to share ideas, information and advice and to collaborate. It provides an inclusive forum where visual art students, graduates and professionals can network. Assemblage encourages production, participation, professionalism and the sharing of resources, knowledge and skills. Through an informative website, peer-mentoring groups, workshops, group exhibitions, artist studios and other collaborative projects, it hopes to contribute and promote artistic innovation, collaboration and a proactive vibrancy within Johannesburg.
Prints on Paper is an open-access print studio based at the Assemblage Studios in Newtown, Johannesburg. It opened in 2013 and provides artists with a space where they can explore various forms of printmaking, including linograph, monotype, silkscreen and more. It has recently launched its first collaborative portfolio on the theme "Colour Line".
Participating organisation Brown Eyed Boy was created as a vehicle for talent to be discovered, unearthed and exhibited. It enables talented artists, photographers, designers, writers and other specialists who are driven by passion and seek to change the world with their craft.
Kiddies can also join in on the fun every Saturday morning from 10am-1pm for Paint Portals' art activities run by the Bag Factory.
