Thursday 5 June 2014

About the !Kauru Project


! Kauru African Contemporary Art Touring project
Rerouting Dialogue 1994-2014

The !Kauru African Contemporary Art project aims to promote conversations in Africa and internationally that change perceptions of the continent through contemporary art.
It provides a platform for African contemporary artists and cultural practioners to engage around a showcase of contemporary art from the continent that will travel to various locations. The strategic plan aims to incorporate all the regions of Africa over the lifespan of the project, and began in 2012 with the SADC region.
In 2014 the !Kauru African Contemporary Art project celebrates 20 years of South African democracy through the voices of artists across the African continent. Titled Rerouting Dialogue 1994-2014, the exhibition will open at the prestigious UNISA Art Gallery on 22 May 2014. !Kauru is in its third year and is a South African initiated project aiming to stimulate conversations about African contemporary art both in Africa and internationally. The exhibition provides a platform for artist’s to engage issues which talk to who we are as Africans today. Attention is focused on our current identities, informed by our rich histories, cultures and contemporary experiences, which contribute to Africa as a dynamic continent.
The curatorial vision for Rerouting Dialogue 1994-2014, is about unveiling the African truth. This exhibition celebrates the continent of Africa as an integral player within the global village.

As a key stakeholder, !Kauru is supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, (International Relations Department) and seeks to instil and increase Inter Africa, Caribbean and Diaspora arts and culture activities between civil society, government and the private sector. This is achieved by collaboration in various capacities between sponsors, State organisations and civil society in realising the projects vision. The 2014 season welcomes the UNISA Art Gallery to the team as a host venue and facilitator for key educational outreach programmes.


BacktoBack Advertising are the project managers under the guidance of !Kauru Director Tshepiso Mohala.