'Staying Close to our Roots': A Conversation with the Inaugural KZN Art Fair

The very first edition of the KZN Art Fair is set to hit the South African art scene from 7 to 9 August. The event, which aims to act as a catalyst for contemporary creativity in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors. The organizers, still in the midst of final preparations, spoke to ArtThrob about the ambitions of this new cultural event.

Rooted in the idea of staying close to one's origins, the fair intends to spotlight local artists while building bridges with national and international players. Although specific exhibitor details have not yet been released, the team emphasizes a desire to create a space for dialogue between contemporary art practices and the region's cultural traditions. The fair's very name, which takes its acronym from the province, underscores this territorial anchoring.

The initiative comes amid sustained growth in South African art fairs. With major events like FNB Art Joburg and the Cape Town Art Fair already shaping the national calendar, the KZN Art Fair seeks to occupy a specific regional niche. KwaZulu-Natal, with its rich Zulu heritage and cultural diversity, represents a still under-explored soil for contemporary art.

The organizers hope that this first edition will lay the groundwork for an annual meeting, capable of attracting collectors, galleries, and curators beyond South Africa's borders. The fair also aims to serve as a tool for economic and cultural development in the region. In the meantime, the public can look forward to a program that promises to be rich in discoveries and exchanges.

With its dual emphasis on identity and openness, the KZN Art Fair could well become a must-attend event on the continent's art scene.

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Written by the ADM desk based on ArtThrob. Read the original article for the full story.