By Shaanaaz de Jager

A leading Nelson Mandela Bay artist is the driving force behind an initiative that would see the city’s dilapidated historical buildings in Central being given a much-needed revamp as art studio hubs while at the same time creating a market for local artists’ work.

Annette du Plessis believes the municipality could create a twin-pronged project if it put its weight behind the idea to form hubs where local artists could display their work to tourists while also saving buildings that are falling apart.

Du Plessis, a multi- skilled artist who is also the Red Location Museum’s marketing manager, said artists needed studios in the busiest parts of the city which potential art investors frequented the most.

The ideal venues for the studios would be revamped dilapidated buildings in the city.

“A group of professional artists has identified the Old Post Office, the unused bottom section of Pleinhuis, or even the old Fischer’s building in town to host exhibitions.

“If the city can provide security and minimum upgrading of these buildings, artists would be able to find subsistence in their productions and day-to-day work.

“Artists have chosen these spots as perfect for studios because of the national and international traffic in that area.

“How can you be creative if you don’t have a studio to work in? Artists want to be productive 24/7, where they can be noticed and get known by the public.”

She said this trend was the “norm which is taking place in mayor cities across the world including Johannesburg and Cape Town”.

“Such studios would be a tremendous boost to our city – and great for the forthcoming 2010.”

Du Plessis said she came across the idea while in Sweden on a scholarship in 2001.

There she saw how dilapidated buildings were transformed into artist residences and studios.

Bay property magnate Ken Denton, who owns the Old Post Office building among others, said he was aware of the suggestion.

He thought it was a good idea but said the Post Office building specifically was not available as no response had been received from the provincial heritage department with regard to commencing work on the building.

However, he has offered the World of Art (formerly known as The Gallery) building in Parliament Street – where several artists already work and exhibit – rent free.

Fischer’s Jewellers financial manager Gail Nieuwerth said making the building available to artists who wanted to make interior alterations “was not an option”, as it was a historical building and the owner did not want anything altered on the inside.

Jacksonville artist Antonio Leeuwskieter said it was an “excellent idea” for artists to use run-down buildings as studios.

It was also a good way to expose children from previously disadvantaged communities to art.

“I think the Arts and Culture Department must come on board and assist with the project. They need to help uplift unknown artists.”

Joe Slovo art teacher Asanda Laxa said he fully supported the idea. “More needs to be done to uplift artists’ visibility in the city.”

New York artist and volunteer teacher John Lombardo said it was hard to gather artists together in Port Elizabeth.

“This sort of programme will help bridge the communication gap between the artists.”

EP Society of Arts and Crafts chairman Sue Hoppe said it was a very good idea.

“There are so many wasted buildings that can be turned into something beautiful.

"But the project should be run under the Epsac umbrella. It is a registered non- profit organisation and in a better position to get funding.

"But since we are run by volunteers we can’t do all the work and need more artists to come on board.”

Madiba Bay Development Agency marketing co-ordinator Anthea Carolus said the MBDA supported the concept but could not get involved where buildings were privately owned.

She said there had been talks between the MBDA and Epsac to have the society relocated to the Athenaeum Club building in Central, but “no agreement is in place yet”.

“We support arts development and there is discussion to turn the Athenaeum into a multi-dimensional artist hub for visual artists, performance artists and musicians across the board,” she said.

Nelson Mandela Bay municipal spokesman Kupido Baron said: “The idea suggested is unique to the city and it will be helpful if the artists draw up a plan as a collective body and submit it to the municipality for consideration.”

Source: Weekend Post