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About us

Learn more about Art School Africa's mission to empower the next generation of African art practitioners

Mission & Vision

While Africa is home to a rich cultural history, access to global markets and educational resources remains limited.

 

Art School Africa’s mission is to address these challenges by empowering the next generation of African art practitioners through education, mentorship, and market access opportunities, all of which are strengthened through strategic collaborations and community support. 

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3 Key Pillars

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  • Art School Africa provides accessible and relevant learning resources focused on professional art practice in Africa.


    Through ongoing research and community engagement, we identify urgent gaps in art education - from working with galleries and managing finances, to understanding contracts and legal frameworks. Our aim is to equip early-career practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the art industry with confidence.


    We collaborate with artists, curators, educators, and industry leaders to create content grounded in real-world experience. Our educational programming includes panel discussions, artist interviews, workshops, and online knowledge-sharing sessions - designed to strengthen networks, build skills, and support long-term growth. Learn more about our workshops and talks.

  • Art School Africa offers mentorship and guidance to community members throughout their careers in the arts. Learn more here about our Ambassador Programme.

  • Central to Art School Africa’s work is creating platforms for emerging artists to share their work and connect with new audiences - expanding access in an industry where opportunities are often shaped by existing networks. See our previous exhibitions here.

Advisory Board

Meet the members of the Art School Africa Advisory Board.

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Anelisa Mangcu
Anelisa Mangcu

Independent Curator, Founder of Under the Aegis, and Co-Founder of Victory of the Word

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Gavin Rajah
Gavin Rajah

Award-winning Fashion Designer, Founder of Gavin Rajah Atelier, and Cultural Entrepreneur

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Ugoma Ebilah
Ugoma Ebilah

Founder of BLOOM Art, Lagos

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Brett Scott
Brett Scott

Independent Collections Manager at Brett Scott

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Karabo Morule
Karabo Morule

Founder of Capital Art

Art School Africa - Advisory Board - Prof. Emmanuel Akyeampong
Prof. Emmanuel Akyeampong

Professor of History and African American Studies at Harvard University

Testimonials

Hear from the artists, speakers, and collaborators, who have worked with Art School Africa across panels, programmes, and projects.

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The workshop series was a great and informative experience — it offered insights that are often not easily accessible in the art world. I truly appreciated the openness and sense of community it fostered, and I hope the series continues in the future.

Asemahle Mgoduka

Summer Workshop Series Attendee

2024 & 2025

"It was an absolute pleasure exhibiting with Art School Africa in a space that ensures that artists can make their work and voice known to the public. It is not often that young artists are celebrated in such environments, and it is fantastic to see that this narrative is starting to change. Thank you for all that you do!"

Jayshall Gajjar

Summer Exhibition Artist

2024 & 2025

"What’s always struck me about Art School Africa’s programming is how direct and grassroots it is. The workshops are designed for artists and young practitioners with little or no experience, offering accessible building blocks that are often missing in more institutional settings. The team understands the importance of creating legitimate, hands-on learning opportunities, allowing participants to connect directly with the processes and expand their understanding. Art School Africa starts with straightforward foundations and builds from there, supporting growth for those who have the least access to these kinds of resources"

Emma Van der Merwe

On our Educational offering

2024 & 2025

"I had a great experience exhibiting with Art School Africa for their annual Summer Exhibition. It was my second professional group exhibition as an emerging artist, and came shortly after the first group exhibition I had in July at the William Humphrey Art Gallery in Kimberley, Northern Cape Province. It was a huge deal, coming from a very small rural town where opportunities are very limited within the arts industry. I represented a whole town and a Municipality whose young people looked up to me and for which I take responsibility. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the whole team at the Art School Africa, especially Julia Buchanan-Swart, with whom I first met via email correspondence when I applied to enter my artwork for the exhibition. I had a great time, I have met new company and learned a lot, which I take note of to improve on my artistic journey. It was great exposure shortly to be in the company of more experience artist from another province, I felt a bit intimidated (shuckle), as I felt alone at first, when I found out I was the only artist from the Northern Cape. But it gave me confidence to take responsibility and carry the Northern Cape with pride. To the stakeholder who made the exhibition a great success, I take my hat off. Once again, thank you for the exposure and connection you gave us all. Looking forward to the next exhibition and networking opportunities."

Ricardo Akhona Pieterse

Summer Exhibition Artist

2025

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Partners & Collaborators

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