‘A return to making’
EXHIBITION: GET THE BEST OF LOCAL AT ARTISANS’ FAIR
Africa’s potential will be highlighted from October 12 to 14.
There is being at the forefront of must-have items and then there’s the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair (SHmC). In 2018 120 of Africa’s best artisans are presenting their take on “a return to making” – the theme for the year.
This is the ninth edition of the fair, which provides a platform for exceptional artisans to reach a massive audience.
“We’re very excited about this year’s theme, which really places the focus squarely on our makers and their stories. We have an exciting selection of artisans, with lots of new exhibitors from across the continent.
“Visitors can look forward to the best of the best in local fashion, lifestyle and homeware brands, top SA chefs, high-end wine labels, microbreweries and specialty foods. As always, our intention is to connect entrepreneurs and SMEs to a supportive audience who truly appreciate their craft,” says fair curator, Cassandra Twala.
While the fair is accepted as a lifestyle event incorporating food, wine and art – at its heart it’s still about the home, in the African context.
Chief executive of Integrated Solutions at Sanlam Trurman Zuma adds: “Wealthsmiths and makers share multiple traits. In the same way a Wealthsmith transforms money into meaning, a maker transforms a raw material into meaning. Both do so through the qualities of hard work and dedication – traits that we believe make anything possible.
“For the last 100 years, Sanlam has been investing in the unrivalled potential of this continent and its people. We know there’s nowhere else like Africa and we want to create a continent bursting with opportunity for the next generation to inherit. Investing in our artisans, entrepreneurs and SMEs is one of the best ways to do so, which is why we continue to support the SHmC. It provides an incredible way for us to make a material difference to people’s businesses – and, in doing so, grow this continent’s economy.”
Five featured designers will lead each of the newly created pavilions that bring together exhibitors with similar offerings. The chosen designers curate seating areas within each pavilion that serve as conceptual foci throughout the fair.
They include textile designer Sindiso Khumalo, who will headline the textile pavilion, ceramicist Michael Chandler is set to champion the homeware pavilion, with Babylonstoren at the forefront of the lifestyle pavilion.
Tinsel Gallery will champion the jewellery pavilion and wine expert Nkululeko Mkhwanazi will curate the selection of wineries that will participate in the wine village.
This year’s fair will showcase 120 exhibitors, with 43 exhibiting for the first time.
Adele Dejak, Mami Wata, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Sindiso Khumalo, Michael Chandler, Tinsel Gallery, Ruum Gallery, Yemi Awosile, Gugu Intimates, Suki Suki, SELFI and Tina Ngxokolo are some of myriad designers and artisans to look out for.
Since 2010, the SHmC has hosted over 80 000 visitors. On average, visitors spend at least R500 at the fair. That’s about R40-million – a conservative estimate – which has helped more than 300 unique exhibitors to grow their businesses by reaching a captivated group of assembled aesthetes over the past nine events.
Had you visited before you would have seen pillows and furniture, art, plants, ceramics and all sorts of items that are the staples of home stores – just presented in a way that celebrates the continent.
Out of 2017’s exhibitors, 37% employ two to five people fulltime and 37% employ five or more staff members.
A director at Artlogic, Mandla Sibeko, says the SHmC has helped to create employment and connections.
“By providing guaranteed exposure to a receptive audience, the SHmC helps SMEs to make the transition from start-up to a sustainable business model.
“This enables entrepreneurs to employ team members, thus combatting unemployment across the continent.
“In addition, the fair connects a global artisanal community, which helps fuel strategic partnerships and network of inspiration and support. We’ve seen, year after year how important these connections can be.
“Finally, we know the fair helps shine a global spotlight on African ingenuity, cementing our artisans as big players and trendsetters.”