unisa art gallery

The Unisa Art Gallery's collection has embraced art from all South African citizens from its inception. The collection was initiated in the early 1960s by Karin Skawran, the first lecturer of the Department of History of Art and Fine Arts, in collaboration with Prof. Steyn, the Head of the Department of Afrikaans-Nederlands at that time.

Without a specific budget or collection policy, art works were proposed to the Rector for approval. Purchases were made in three main categories: South African art, international graphics, and works for teaching purposes. In 1967, Walter Battiss was appointed head of the Department of History of Art and Fine Arts, and the collection expanded further under his guidance.

In 1985, the Unisa Art Collection found its first, albeit temporary, curator. The following year a formal and regular budget was introduced, a collection policy developed, and permanent staff appointed. Then, in 1988, the Gallery was given its first and current home, the Old Library. The new space had large storage facilities and the Gallery was free to begin collecting more, and larger, sculptures. There were 13 sculptures in the collection by 1985, and we have over 100 today.

The collection includes more than 100 artworks, which are available for study, teaching and exhibition purposes. Visitors can view the collection at : http://www.unisa.ac.za/dept/arts/gallery.html

Meredith Randall currently heads the Gallery, the assistant curator is Jacob Lebeko and the Administrator is Kabelo Maja.

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