VANSA Annual Report: CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 7
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT Renewal and Reinvigoration in Challenging Times As we reflect on the past year and the many changes we have seen I am humbled by the strength and perseverance the organisation and visual arts community has shown in one of the most defining moments in recent years. This has been a year of great change and transformation. We said farewell to former Director, Kabelo Malatsie who joined the organisation in June 2018 and Board Chairperson, Bandile Gumbi, who, as the longest serving board member, had given sage advice, support and immense personal commitment over the years. We welcomed Refilwe Nkomo as the new Director in January 2020 and onto the Board, Gabrielle Goliath, who brings profound insight as an accomplished artist and scholar, all of which will be invaluable during this time of transformation. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how inextricably linked we are and whilst we are physically distancing having temporarily closed the office space, we continue to strengthen our network and our relationships with our partners and funders which allows us to continue the important work we do. Whether it be our internship or bursary program, best practise guide workshops, governance skilling, research or advocacy, VANSA continues to be a pivotal organisation working towards a vision of “providing new social, cultural and economic possibilities for contemporary art practice in the South African – and wider African – context”.
