KZN Nation Botanical Gardens All Ready for 2019 Art in the Park
The 57th Art in the Park exhibition
It was in 1962 the Publicity Association Predecessor of Pietermaritzburg Tourism founded this premier outdoor art selling exhibition called “Art in the Park”. Art in the Park originally began at the Alexandra Park with only a few artists. Artists were minimal and “underdeveloped” however this event transitioned from humble beginnings in which only local artists exhibited oil paints, sculptures and pottery to one of South Africa’s leading Art exhibition. Previously Art in the Park would be at the end of May which clashed with the Royal Agricultural show and the Comrades marathon leaving many people unsure of which event to attend a decision was taken to have the event at the beginning of May going forward similarly art in the park was a free event until costs arose due to the masses and a decision was taken by the board at the time that a fee would be charged to take care of the upkeep costs. The thought of charging a fee initially left board members thinking that the audience would deplete over night but that was certainly not true at all, the event only expanded from then on. Over the years Art in the Park has maintained a high standard of producing exquisite pieces big and small. Now in 2019 we are celebrating the 57th year of Art in the Park in its beautiful indigenous venue which is at the Natal Botanical Gardens the change in venue has allowed more artists to part take. Over the years the membership has grown tremendously, from doubling the amount of stands of the talented artists and as well as the increased audience every year. Mr Dumasani Mhlongo the director of Pietermaritzburg Tourism stated that the main objective of having Art in the Park is to nurture social cohesion through Art and more importantly to develop new and upcoming artists. Creative Arts College (CAC) an award winning Art institute is one of the main sponsors for the event. The CEO of CAC Mr Kevin Pallium stated that “Art is one of the highest forms of expression and communication”. As the main sponsors CAC has committed to Art in the Park becoming an International calendar event. This year at 57th year at Art in the Park we will have more schools participating, we will be promoting more art skills development and also more diversified media and entertainment. It is a Family Fun experience for the young and old incorporating Kids arena, face painting, Spa treatments, Cheese, wine and Art in the Park will be exhibiting many art pieces from artists that are old and new in this field. We are encouraging people from Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas to support this event; we know that this year is going to be one of the best years of Art in the Park by far. Remember we are not only developing artists, we are developing the next generation.
Staged at KZN Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, the 2019 event will run from 01 to 05 May 2019 and will be yet another exposition of artistic excellence.
Show times are as follows: Wednesday & Thursday: 10h00 – 20h00 Friday &Saturday: 10h00-22h00 Sunday: 09h00 – 16h00
Entrance fee: R40.00, Children below 12 years enter free