! 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.