It is no small achievement for a nonprofit arts-organisation to come of age. For the past 21 years the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios has survived through changes in ploicies, economies and struggles in order to promote visual artists and their work by offering them space, facilities and opportunities. Originally set up by artist David Koloane and arts patron Robert Loder the Bag Factory has grown into a seminal institution in cultural production with a broad and substantial international network of artists. It has hosted such artists as Sam Nhlengethwa, Kay Hassan, Penny Siopis, Joachim Schonfeldt and Paul Emmanuel to name a few.

Launching on 3 August 2012 21BF is a retrospective exhibition, intended to give an overview of the significance of artists work produced during historical events that have formed the foundation of the democracy within which we now find ourselves. This exhibition is made possible with funds from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) and the National Arts Council (NAC). The Bag Factory is now a noted studio and project space in Johannesburg, offering numerous opportunities to visual artists and those who are interested in the arts. It has hosted over 145 visiting artists, run numerous workshops, supported young curators and regularly exhibited experimental and new work.

The Exhibition will include work by Belinda Blignaught, Benon Lutaaya, Bongi Bengu, Colbert Mashile, David Koloane, Diana Hyslop, Dinkies Sithole, Fatima Fernandes, Fidel Regueros, Gordon Froud, Hedwig Barry, Hentie van de Merwe, Jill Trapper, Johan Thom, Kate Fountain, Kendell Geers, Lerato Shadi, Mary Wafer, Myer Taub, Nadine Hutton, Nicky Blumenfeld, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, Pat Mautloa, Paul Emmanuel, Penny Siopis, Reshma Chhiba, Richard Penn, Ricky Burnett, Rookeya Gardee, Sam Nhlengethwa, Tamar Mason, Thenjiwe Nkosi, Tshepo Mosopa, Wayne Barker, and Verna Jooste.

21BF is curated by Melissa Goba with the assistance of Tammy Langtry. The exhibition will include an exciting programme of walkabouts, panel discussions, workshops and artist talks. For more information on this calendar of events please visit our facebook page BagFactoryArt

Don’t miss this important event on the 2012 arts calendar.

Launch Details:
Date: 3 August 2012
Venue: Bag Factory Artists Studios, 10 Mahlatini Street, Fordsburg, 2198
Time: 17:30
Date: 3rd August – 10th September 2012

The Exhibition will run through the month of August.

For more information please contact the Bag Factory 011 834 9181 or email info@bagfactoryart.org.za

Images available upon request


"21BF" is brought to you by the Bag Factory Artists' Studios with thanks to our funders the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and the National Arts Council.