Hazel Friedman
A COMMUNICATION breakdown between artists and the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology has resulted in South African artists losing a place at one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.
Organisers for the Venice Biennale said this week they were still waiting for the department to indicate how many South African artists will be attending. The exhibition, held every two years, is arguably the art world’s premier showcase for talent.
The invitation to the exhibition, which opens in June, was first handed to South Africa in 1993 after 25 years of isolation, and repeated in 1995. But the department insisted this week that there had been no invitation. Officials said that even had there been an invitation, participation would have proved too costly as funds are limited and South Africa would have had to build its own exhibition pavilion.
South Africa’s representation at the Havana Biennale, which opens next month, has also been plagued by confusion. The department approved the budget in December to send artists to Cuba, but has still to provide the funds.
South African artists’ chances of going to Havana are currently being kept alive by gallery owner Linda Givon, who is organising South Africa’s participation. To date she has covered all expenses herself.
The department has promised to look into the matter.
These blunders contrast starkly with the government’s White Paper on Arts and Culture, released last June, which emphasises international cultural exchange as a means to transform South African art.
The confusion surrounding the Venice gathering may have arisen from the visit to Italy last October by Deputy Minister for Arts and Culture Brigitte Mabandla.
Problems with funding the event were raised by the organisers and it was also suggested that the Biennale be delayed one year, so the next exhibition would fall in the year 2000, co-inciding with the international Catholic festival due to be held that year in Rome. However, the event is due to go ahead as scheduled.