The new charitable initiative aimed at capturing these extraordinary times in South African history and raising much-needed funds for artists and the broader community as a result of the ripple effect of Covid-19.
The art-inspired initiative is the brainchild of Carl Bates (chief executive of Sirdar Group), Lauren Woolf (founder and owner, Mrs Woolf) and Kim Berman (founding director, Artist Proof Studio. Professor, Visual Arts, UJ). It was created to immediately and sustainably assist the art community during the lockdown period in South Africa. The online campaign was launched across various social media platforms from 27 March and will be running until 17 April 2020.
The artists’ works not only have an opportunity to record this extraordinary time, but also to inspire the country with their visual voices and encourage those that can buy works, to support those that need it most.
Anyone can support the initiative by purchasing art pieces showcased on the #TheLockdownCollection social media platforms or simply donating to the fund. All proceeds generated from the campaign will go to participating artists, the president’s Solidarity Fund as well as a newly created Vulnerable Visual Artist Fund, which intends to be open for grants as soon as possible.
“Covid-19 has changed the world. Its impact is still unimaginable. Art and artists have always been a critical part of society and culture. Like everyone, they are deeply affected by the calamity of Covid-19. Many have or will lose their livelihoods and have little means to survive. But they absolutely must – they are humanity’s lens and the visual authors of our time. Our country needs them to record what will probably be the most pivotal moment in our society since 1994,” says Kim Berman.
A series of 21 art pieces, each created by a different South African artist, will be revealed each day during the lockdown period. Participating artists will create a piece of artwork that reflects the thoughts, feelings, vision or captured moments of their Covid-19 experience. Each piece will form part of a historic ‘Lockdown Collection’ that will be hosted online and sold during the 21 days.
This unique collection, featuring so many incredible creative minds will be celebrated with an ‘online’ event on the evening of the 21st day. Artists that are participating include a broad spectrum of talent – from Bambo Sibiya, Penny Siopis, Gerhard Marx, Lindo Zwane, Ardmore Ceramic Art, Walter Oltmann, Dianne Victor and more.
“As momentum builds, we believe that many artists, motivated by the challenge, can begin to create their own ‘lockdown works’ inspired by their colleagues and heroes,” explains Carl Bates. “We hope to continue this movement as long as required to be as sustainably helpful as we can into the future and to create a uniquely South African viewpoint of this period.”
For more info go to www.thelockdowncollection.com, to register for the live auction this Sunday 19 April at 4pm (SAST) click here
